Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
SEIS Vertebrate Fauna, Black-throated Finch, and Threatened Fauna Assessment Report
Mine Site Galilee Coal Project (Northern Export Facility)
Prepared for: Natasha McIntosh, Waratah Coal Prepared by: Lindsay Agnew, Austecology Report Status: Final Report July 2012
1301 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Table of Contents
1. Introduction...... 4 1.1. Background and Purpose ...... 4 1.2. Summary Study Site Description ...... 4 1.3. Study Site and Land Use Context...... 5 1.4. Study Site and Ecological Context...... 6 1.5. Terminology and Abbreviations ...... 8 1.5.1. Spatial Descriptions...... 8 1.5.2. Terrestrial Fauna and Vegetation ...... 8 1.5.3. Abbreviations ...... 9 2. Review of Additional Information ...... 11 2.1. DERM 1998 Fauna Surveys...... 11 2.2. DERM 1999 Fauna Surveys...... 11 2.3. EPA 2006 Fauna Surveys ...... 12 2.4. DERM 2011 Fauna Surveys...... 13 2.5. Alpha Coal Project Fauna Surveys 2011...... 13 2.6. Birdlife Australia 2012 Surveys ...... 14 3. SEIS Fauna Survey Program...... 16 3.1. Methodology...... 16 3.1.1. Existing Information Review ...... 16 3.1.2. Field Survey Program ...... 16 3.2. Findings and Interpretation...... 19 3.2.1. Field Conditions ...... 19 3.2.2. Survey Site and Survey Area Descriptions ...... 19 3.2.3. Fauna Records ...... 22 4. Integration and Review of Fauna Survey Results...... 24 5. Black-throated Finch Survey Program ...... 28 5.1. Background and Purpose ...... 28 5.2. Assessment Methodology ...... 28 5.2.1. Existing Information Review ...... 28 5.2.2. Target Survey Program ...... 29 5.2.2.1. 2011 Wet Season Surveys...... 30 5.2.2.2. 2011 Dry Season Surveys ...... 31 5.2.2.3. 2012 Wet Season Surveys...... 31 5.2.3. Habitat Assessments and Predictive Modelling of Breeding Habitat...... 32 5.2.4. Survey Program Findings ...... 33 6. Threatened Species ...... 38 6.1. EPBCA MNES ...... 38 6.1.1. Koala Phascolarctos cinereus ...... 38 6.1.2. Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis ...... 39 6.1.3. Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta ...... 39 6.1.4. Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta...... 40 6.2. NCA Threatened Species ...... 40 6.2.1. Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus...... 40 6.2.2. Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus ...... 40 6.2.3. Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa...... 41 6.2.4. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus...... 41 6.2.5. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura...... 41 6.2.6. Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis...... 42 6.3. Species not recorded on the Study Site ...... 42 7. Impact Assessment, Mitigation and Offset Strategy ...... 45 7.1. Assessment of Impacts...... 45
Page 2 of 100 1302 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
7.1.1. Habitat Loss...... 47 7.1.2. Habitat Fragmentation and Loss of Connectivity ...... 48 7.1.3. Habitat Degradation ...... 48 7.2. Impact Mitigation Strategies ...... 49 7.3. Offset Requirements...... 57 8. References ...... 63
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Location of Pastoral Properties and Extent of Remnant Vegetation...... 10 Figure 3-1 Distribution of Fauna Survey Sites ...... 21 Figure 4-1 Summary of Annual Rainfall Data 1886 to 2011...... 26 Figure 4-2 Summary of Fauna Survey Records for Study Site...... 27 Figure 5-1 BTF Wet Season Target Nest Search Areas...... 35 Figure 5-2 BTF Target Search Areas and Transects...... 36 Figure 5-3 BTF Dry Season Water body Census Sites ...... 37 Figure 6-1 Threatened Fauna Records for the Study Site...... 44 Figure 7-1 Mine Disturbance Footprint ...... 46
List of Tables
Table 3-1 Summary of the Overall Survey Program Results 22 Table 4-1 Tabulation of Fauna Survey Records for Study Site and Surrounding Area 26 Table 5-1 Summary of the Target Black-throated Finch (southern) Survey Program 32 Table 7-1 Proposed Clearing Footprint 47 Table 7-2 Impact Mitigation Strategies and Measures 51 Table 7-3 Regional Ecosystems within Clearing and Predicted Subsidence Footprints 61 Table 7-4 Summary of Compensatory Offsets for Threatened Fauna 62
List of Attachments
Attachment A Survey Site Habitat Descriptions...... 68 Attachment B Photographs of Fauna Habitats...... 70 Attachment C Summary of Survey Site Species Richness Results...... 80 Attachment D Results for the Standardised Site-based Trapping Program ...... 82 Attachment E Standardised Site-based Diurnal Ground Search Results ...... 83 Attachment F Standardised Site-based Nocturnal Survey Results ...... 83 Attachment G Results for the Standardised Site-based Bird Surveys...... 84 Attachment H Mammal Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area ...... 85 Attachment I Reptile Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area ...... 87 Attachment J Amphibian Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area...... 89 Attachment K Bird Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area ...... 90 Attachment L Black-throated Finch Nesting Habitat– Predictive Model Outputs ...... 96 Attachment M Threatened Species Habitat Modelling Data ...... 97
Page 3 of 100 1303 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
1. Introduction
1.1. Background and Purpose
Waratah Coal proposes to establish coal mining operations on exploration leases situated approximately 35 kilometers north-west of Alpha, Central Queensland. Waratah Coal proposes both open-cut and underground coal mining operations on the site, supported by the establishment of a new rail line to transport coal to future or existing coal terminals on land within the Port of Abbot Point and the Abbot Point State Development Area (APSDA).
On 28 October 2008, the project was gazetted as a “significant project” under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO Act), and requiring an environmental impact statement (EIS). Terms of reference for the EIS were released in August 2009, and the subsequent EIS was submitted to the Coordinator General, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) in September 2011.
As part of the EIS review process, both the Commonwealth1 and State2 Governments provided comments on the draft EIS, and have requested that additional information be provided. Austecology was commissioned to provide responses to issues raised by both the Commonwealth and State Government requests as they relate to terrestrial fauna issues.
A previous report has provided a preliminary assessment in regard to the endangered Black- throated Finch (southern) Poephila cincta cincta, (see Austecology 2011).
This Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) report responds to the following key issues raised by Commonwealth and State Government reviews of the draft EIS:
Provision of greater fauna survey coverage within remnant vegetation habitats of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge (BBNR) and Lambton Meadows properties, employing standardised survey site-based methodologies; Implementation of target surveys for threatened reptiles, and in particular, the Common Death Adder Acanthophis antarciticus, Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa, and the Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis; Collation of all available existing fauna data for the study site and integration with the findings of the SEIS fauna survey program; and Implementation of dry and wet season target surveys for Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta.
1.2. Summary Study Site Description
The study site encompasses and/or includes part of the following properties: Spring Creek; Kia Ora; Glen Innes; Lambton Meadows; Cavendish; Hobartville; and Saltbush (see Figure 1-1). The predominant land use across study site is cattle grazing. A significant proportion of the study site has been cleared of native vegetation and is maintained as cleared pasture for cattle grazing (e.g. Kia Ora in the north, and Hobartville in the east). A large part of this area has been subject to blade ploughing and the introduction of exotic pasture grasses. In these areas, Buffel Grass (Pennisetum ciliare) is dominant.
1 SEWPaC correspondence to Waratah Coal (dated 1 April 2011) and to the Queensland Coordinator general (dated 26 January 2012). 2 DERM’s submission on the extent to which the EIS was successful in addressing the Terms of Reference (TOR) – dated December 2011.
Page 4 of 100 1304 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
In contrast, a notable area of woodland habitats (including native remnant and native regrowth) has been retained throughout study site (e.g. Glen Innes within the central sector, and parts of Cavendish and Lambton Meadows in the west) (see Figure 1-1). Generally, these areas are also subject to cattle grazing, though it is apparent, that there are differences in grazing management practices implemented throughout these remnant woodland areas (e.g. differences in stocking rates, retention native pasture, and weed control). Woodland habitats are dominated by eucalypts, principally Silver-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) and Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea), and support a diversity of native grasses, though also introduced taxa (e.g. Buffel Grass).
Glen Innes station, within the central sector of the study site, supports the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, gazetted in 2003 under the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 (SL 2003 No. 82). The majority of its 7,912ha supports Silver-leaved Ironbark and Poplar Box woodland.
The study site is located within the Belyando River catchment, which is part of the larger Burdekin River catchment. The study site is transected by a variety of seasonal watercourses. The Spring Creek system drains the north-west sector of EPC1040. This part of the site supports a variety of mesas and plateaus and vegetation types, including bloodwood open woodlands (dominated by Corymbia trachyphloia) and woodlands dominated by Lancewood (Acacia shirleyi). The Spring Creek system drains east and north, part of which connects with the Lagoon Creek system (off-site and to the north).
The Lagoon Creek system drains generally northwards through the south-north extent of the study site. The system includes: Pebbly Creek - draining east across the central sector of the site (through the Cavendish and Glen Innes properties); Beta Creek - which drains northwards through the southern central part of the site (through the Lambton Meadows property); Tallarenha Creek – draining northwards through the south-eastern part of the site; and Salt Bush Creek - draining north through the eastern areas from the south-eastern sector of the study site.
Both Beta and Tallarenha Creeks join within the central-eastern part of the site to form Lagoon Creek, where it continues to drain in a northerly direction through the north-western corner of the study site. River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is a relatively common feature along these waterways, particularly from about the confluence of Beta and Tallarenha Creeks and northwards (where Eucalyptus tessellaris is often a co-dominant within riparian areas). Within these areas, large hollow-bearing trees can be a relatively common feature.
1.3. Study Site and Land Use Context
As noted previously, the predominant land use across the study site is cattle grazing, though it is apparent that grazing management practices differ between properties.
The Desert Uplands was settled by pastoralists during the 1860s and 1870s (DNRW 2006). The majority of land tenure within the surrounding region is leasehold (about 80%) with the remainder comprising freehold, reserves and other tenures in small parcels of land (ANRA 2009). At present, the majority of leasehold land is used for cattle grazing, though lands within the western parts of the region also support sheep grazing (DNRW 2006). Most (94%) of the Desert Uplands bioregion is grazed and this area has not changed appreciably in recent decades (ACRIS 2008).
Page 5 of 100 1305 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
The so-called “Galilee Basin” extends across the eastern part of the region. Coal measures within this area, which includes the proposed mine site, are subject to a variety of new mining proposals. This includes the “Alpha Coal” and “Kevins Corner” projects proposed by Hancock Coal (both are located adjacent and the north of the study site) and the “Carmichael” project proposed by Adaniapproximately 100km to the north), as well as the “South Galilee Coal Project” proposed by AMCI Pty Ltd and Alpha Coal Pty Ltd (located adjacent and to the south of the study site).
Approximately 160 kilometers to the east of the study site is Emerald, a regional centre for both coal mining operations of the southern Bowen Basin and significant areas of pastoral and agricultural land uses.
1.4. Study Site and Ecological Context
As noted previously, Glen Innes station, within the central sector of the study site, supports the Bimblebox Nature Refuge (BBNR). SL2003 No.82 provides the following description3: “The nature refuge supports — (a) 6 regional ecosystems, including poplar box and silver-leaved ironbark woodland; and (b) a large area of intact habitat in a landscape that has been subjected to widespread clearing; and (c) a diverse range of herbaceous species.”
The BBNR is classified as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) (Category C Nature Refuge) within the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s (DERM) ESA mapping. In addition, the DERM mapping identifies a number of small areas as Category B ESAs, being Endangered Regional Ecosystems (REs). These are principally associated with relatively small patches of RE 10.4.3 (Acacia harpophylla &/or Eucalyptus cambageana open woodland).
Other notable ecological values located within the study site include: A large remnant of eucalypt open woodland and several small open woodland patches located within the south-eastern sector and scattered along sections of the eastern boundary; Eucalypt open woodland and lancewood woodland on sandstone plateaus and scarps within the north-west corner; and Relatively narrow and linear areas of riparian woodland (where hollow-bearing trees are often common) associated with downstream sections of the Lagoon Creek system (north- eastern parts of the study site).
Regional Ecosystem (RE) mapping by DERM (2012a) describes the extent of a possible total of 21 REs occurring within the study site. The diversity of REs has been confirmed by previous field assessments, with only relatively minor ground-truthed differences detected in the extent of DERM-mapped remnant vegetation (Worley Parsons 2009; Unidel 2011a; and the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report).
The study site is contained within the south-eastern part of the Desert Uplands Bioregion (subregion 4: Jericho; Morgan et al. 2002). The Desert Uplands Bioregion (DUB) lies within the eastern margin of the Great Artesian Basin. The DUB covers an area equivalent to about 4% of Queensland (6.89 million hectares), has a semi-arid climate, of variable rainfall4 (though
3 Nature Conservation Legislation Amendment Regulation (N0. 1) 2003. 4 Average annual rainfall in the DUB varies from 480 mm in the north-west to 540 mm in the south-east. The rainfall is summer dominant, though with a high annual variability. Shires within the DUB have been drought declared for approximately one year in four since 1964, with the Jericho Shire averaging “drought conditions” one year in five (EPA 2002).
Page 6 of 100 1306 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
summer dominant), and generally supporting soils of poor structure and low fertility (clay soils, sands and massive earths, and skeletal soils) (Morgan 1999; DERM 2012e).
The sands and massive earths support eucalypt woodlands such as ironbark (Eucalyptus whitei, E. melanophloia, E. crebra), box (E. populnea, E. brownii), bloodwoods (Corymbia spp.) and yellow jacket (E. similis), which make up about 86% of the bioregion (ANRA 2009). Vegetation types characteristic of skeletal soils (on ranges, plateaus, scarps, etc.) are dominated by eucalypts, (e.g. narrow-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus. crebra), bendee (Acacia catenulata) and lancewood (A. shirleyi) (Morgan 1999; ANRA 2009)). Clay soils support brigalow (Acacia harpophylla), Dawson River gum (Eucalyptus cambageana), gidgee (A. cambagei) and blackwood (A. argyrodendron) (ANRA 2009). The study site is characterised by vegetation types associated with the sands and massive earths, though comparatively smaller areas of vegetation types are associated with skeletal soils (north-west corner) and clay soils (see Worley Parsons 2009; Unidel 2011a).
Two significant internal drainage basins in the centre of the region form the catchments of Lake Galilee and Lake Buchanan (respectively 115klms and 190klms to the north of the study site). These brackish lakes fill only as a result of above average wet seasons (ANRA 2009). Both wetlands are large, relatively shallow, and brackish, contained with internal drainage systems, are seasonally important habitat and refuge for water birds, and listed as wetlands of national significance (ANCA 19965).
ANRA (2009) describes the most common threatened vegetation types as eucalypt woodlands with a shrubby understorey, followed by brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) forests and woodlands and eucalypt woodlands with a grassy understorey. Approximately 40% of the threatened ecosystems occur on alluvial land types with the majority of the remainder on clay downs (ANRA 2009). The major threatening process for threatened ecosystems is grazing followed by broad-scale tree clearing (ANRA 2009). The clearing of approximately 18 per cent of the native vegetation to improve pasture production has had more of an impact on biodiversity in the south of the bioregion (DERM 2012e).
Morgan et al. (2002) provides an extensive review of fauna data for the Desert Uplands bioregion6, and noted that a total of 200 species had been recorded in the Jericho subregion (20 mammals, 54 reptiles, 13 amphibians and 113 birds). The assembled fauna list included a variety of species which were thought to reflect the geographic position of the Jericho subregion, i.e. a significant proportion of the fauna being more commonly distributed to the south-east in the wetter Brigalow Belt North bioregion, and to the west in the lower rainfall Mulga Lands and central Australia. The report also noted that the derived species richness for the subregion may be an underestimate as most fauna surveys had concentrated on the box and ironbark open woodland associations, leaving many regional ecosystems in this subregion under-sampled.
5 The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia was a cooperative project involving the Australian, state and territory governments and maintained up until 1996. To be considered nationally important, a wetland must meet a set of criteria, including biogeographic representativeness; important ecological or hydrological functions; provision of animal habitat during times of vulnerability or adverse conditions; support for more than 1% of the national population of any taxa; support for threatened taxa or communities; and historical or cultural significance. 6 Morgan et al. (2002) listed 388 vertebrate fauna species from surveys in Desert Upland bioregion. This total comprised 19 mammal species (from 19 families), 116 reptile species (representing 10 families), 24 amphibian species (from three families), and 229 bird species (from 63 families).
Page 7 of 100 1307 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
1.5. Terminology and Abbreviations
1.5.1. Spatial Descriptions
The proposed mine site is located within Waratah Coal’s mining tenements (EPC1040 and part of EPC1079), near Alpha in the Galilee Basin, Central Queensland. The southern extent of the proposed mining lease boundary is located approximately 20 kilometers north-west of the township of Alpha. The southernmost extent of the proposed mining operations is located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Alpha.
For the purposes of this report, the study site comprises an area which includes the mine site and is part of Waratah Coal’s mining tenements (shown as EPC1040 and part of EPC1079 in Figure 1-1). The term surrounding area refers generally to the lands surrounding and in the vicinity of the study site, including the townships of Alpha, Jericho, Aramac and Clermont.
The study site is embedded within the Desert Uplands Bioregion. The Desert Uplands Bioregion (DUB) is one of 13 biogeographical areas of Queensland, and extends between Blackall and Pentland within central northern Queensland (Morgan 1999). It encompasses approximately 7.033 million hectares of semi-arid environments.
A survey site is a location within the study site where a set of standardised survey methodologies are applied. Each survey site encompasses an area of approximately four hectares where standardised survey methodologies were regularly repeated or continuously implemented throughout the whole field survey period. Survey sites were selected on the basis that they reflect the fauna habitat characteristics of more widespread habitat types which are representative of the areas to be investigated, and were consistent with the requirements identified from a series of meetings with DERM officers in February 2012.
1.5.2. Terrestrial Fauna and Vegetation
Within this report, fauna refers to all vertebrate fauna. Nomenclature used for this study follows Van Dyck & Strahan (2008) for non-flying mammals, Churchill (2008) and Reardon et al. (2008) for bats, Christidis & Boles (2008) for birds, Cogger (2000) for amphibians, and Wilson (2009) for reptiles. The common names for frogs follow the nomenclature of Ingram et al. (1993). The term waterbird refers to those species which are ecologically dependent upon wetlands (after Kingsford & Norman 2002). The term shorebird refers to both resident and migratory species which are ecologically dependent upon wetlands and form a subset of the waterbird grouping (after Geering et al. 2007).
The conservation status of a species is described in accordance with the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) (e.g. Endangered, Vulnerable, or Migratory) and/or the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA) and its regulations and amendments (e.g. Endangered, Vulnerable, Regionally Vulnerable, Near Threatened7 or Least Concern). Threatened is a common term used to collectively describe Endangered and Vulnerable species.
Within this report, flora nomenclature follows Bostock & Holland (2010). An environmental weed refers to any plant that survives in a natural area where its presence is undesirable, harmful or troublesome to native biodiversity.
7 Previous reports referred to in this report have included reference to Rare species. This conservation status was superseded by the status Near Threatened with the introduction of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2010.
Page 8 of 100 1308 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
The definition of a Regional Ecosystem (RE) follows that provided by Sattler & Williams (1999), i.e. a vegetation community in a bioregion that is consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil. This definition forms the basis of the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA8), which also defines the “pre-clearing extent” of a regional ecosystem as the extent of the regional ecosystem before it was cleared. Regrowth vegetation means woody vegetation that is not remnant as defined under the VMA.
The conservation status (under the VMA) of REs follows that of the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) published and maintained by DERM (2012c). Each RE is assigned status under the VMA as Endangered, Of Concern or Least Concern. The status of all REs mapped for Queensland is provided in the VMA Vegetation Management Regulation 2000 (VMR): VMR Schedule 1 - Endangered Regional Ecosystems; VMR Schedule 2 - Of Concern Regional Ecosystems; and VMR Schedule 3 - Least Concern Regional Ecosystems.
A declared plant refers to a species declared under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2002 (LPR).
1.5.3. Abbreviations
CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Fauna and Flora DERM: Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management DEWHA: Queensland Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts EPA: Queensland Department of Environmental Protection Agency EPBCA: Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources LPR: Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2002 MNES: Matter of National Environmental Significance (as defined under the EPBCA) NCA: Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 NRM: Queensland Department of Natural Resource Management QPWS: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service RE: Regional Ecosystem REDD: Regional Ecosystem Description Database SEWPaC: Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities sp.: Species (singular) spp.: Species (plural)
8 Under the VMA, remnant vegetation is defined as “vegetation that had at least 70% of the height and 50% of the cover of the dominant stratum, relative to the undisturbed height and cover of that stratum and was dominated by species characteristic of the vegetation's undisturbed canopy” (Wilson et al. 2002). Only vegetation that falls within this definition is mapped as a regional ecosystem in Queensland. Mapped regional ecosystems thus include 'vegetation that has not been cleared or has been lightly thinned or vegetation that has been cleared or heavily thinned but substantially regrown (Wilson et al. 2002).
Page 9 of 100 1309 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
This page is intentionally left blank.
1310 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 460000 7420000 7420000
Spring Creek Monklands
Kia Ora 7415000 7415000 Monklands
Cavendish 7410000 7410000
Cavendish
Glen Innes (BBNR) Monklands 7405000 7405000
Lambton Meadows
Saltbush Monklands 7400000 Lambton Meadows 7400000
Lambton Meadows 7395000 7395000 Corntop Corntop Eureka Oakleigh
Toarbee
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 460000 7390000 7390000
Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Australia record (2011), Mackay Conservation Council GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Roads & Waterways: Geoscience Australia 2010 records (EIS submission 2011) Source: Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 Remnant Vegetation: Vegetation Management Act FIGURE 1-1: Fauna Records: Austecology survey program (2011- Regional Ecosystems Vers 6.1 EPC1040 & Part of 2012), Unidel survey program (2009-2010), Birdlife Probable Clearing Footprint PASTORAL PROPERTIES This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 EPC1079 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Subsidence Footprint Disclaimer: liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Metres Cadastral Boundary AND EXTENT OF REMNANT used in breach of privacy laws. A3 Scale 1:120,000 Remnant Vegetation
Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0019-FIG1-1a-PASTORAL-PROPERTIES-120719 Date: 19/07/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator VEGETATION
1311 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
2. Review of Additional Information
Information previously not available during the compilation of the draft EIS, was collated and reviewed. This included data derived from fauna surveys previously implemented by State Government agencies for the study site (e.g. DERM 1998; DERM 1999; QPWS 2000; EPA 2007; and DERM 2011a).
2.1. DERM 1998 Fauna Surveys
The DERM (1998) report provides information on a vertebrate fauna survey implemented during May 1998 on the properties of Glenn Innes, Monklands, and Lambton Meadows (within the study site). The survey undertaken “… as part of a Natural Heritage Fund project to identify and assess the fauna of Silver-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) and Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) woodlands of Central Queensland coordinated by the Emerald Department of Environment”.
The survey was undertaken over a four-day period. The following techniques were employed at eight “standard sites”: Diurnal bird census; Diurnal and nocturnal reptile, amphibian, and ground mammal census; Nocturnal spotlighting for arboreal mammals; Elliott trapping for small terrestrial vertebrates (720 trap nights total) Pitfall trapping for small terrestrial vertebrates (144 ptifall nights total); and Mammal scats, tracks and traces search.
A variety of other techniques were employed opportunistically within the study area, i.e.: Vehicle and walking spotlighting; Harp trapping of insectivorous bats (four harp trap nights total); Opportunistic vertebrate searches; and Identification of animal tracks, feeding marks and bone material.
The survey program provided records for 92 native fauna species, comprising nine mammal, two frog, 16 reptile, and 65 bird species. Five introduced fauna species were recorded, comprising four mammal and one amphibian species.
The report notes that no species listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare under Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 were recorded.
2.2. DERM 1999 Fauna Surveys
The DERM (1999) reporting provides the results of a summer replication of the fauna survey undertaken in 1998, though also surveying two additional sites on the Monklands property. The summer survey program provided records for 97 native fauna species, comprising five mammal, six frog, 19 reptile, and 67 bird species. Four introduced fauna species were recorded, comprising three mammal and one amphibian species.
The report notes that no species listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare under Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 were recorded.
Page 11 of 100 1312 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
2.3. EPA 2006 Fauna Surveys 2. Review of Additional Information The EPA (2007) report presents the results of a standardised survey of terrestrial vertebrate Information previously not available during the compilation of the draft EIS, was collated and fauna and assessment of habitat condition on the Lambton Meadows property. The stated aim reviewed. This included data derived from fauna surveys previously implemented by State of the survey was “… to collect information on fauna, flora and habitat condition of various sites Government agencies for the study site (e.g. DERM 1998; DERM 1999; QPWS 2000; EPA at “Lambton Meadows” to act as case study information for the Desert Channels Sustainable 2007; and DERM 2011a). Grazing Project”. A secondary aim of the survey was to contribute to the development of benchmarks of ecosystems in the Desert Uplands for a Biodiversity Condition toolkit 2.1. DERM 1998 Fauna Surveys (BioCondition). The surveys focused on a variety of regional ecosystem (RE) types, and aimed to sample The DERM (1998) report provides information on a vertebrate fauna survey implemented during different states of condition across the property within those particular RE types. The survey May 1998 on the properties of Glenn Innes, Monklands, and Lambton Meadows (within the was undertaken by staff from the Landscape Ecology Unit (Biodiversity Sciences, study site). The survey undertaken “… as part of a Natural Heritage Fund project to identify and Environmental Protection Agency) during the period 12 to 24 June 2006. assess the fauna of Silver-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) and Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) woodlands of Central Queensland coordinated by the Emerald The survey design used a standardised site-based approach9, and employed a set combination Department of Environment”. of Elliott, cage, funnel and pitfall traps with timed day and night searches and bird counts. Incidental fauna records were also collected from across the property and incorporated into the The survey was undertaken over a four-day period. The following techniques were employed at final database. eight “standard sites”: Diurnal bird census; Eighteen standard sites, three targeted sites and an additional eight incidental sites were Diurnal and nocturnal reptile, amphibian, and ground mammal census; completed during the survey. All these sites were within regional ecosystems dominated by Nocturnal spotlighting for arboreal mammals; silver-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) and/or poplar box (E. populnea). Elliott trapping for small terrestrial vertebrates (720 trap nights total) Pitfall trapping for small terrestrial vertebrates (144 ptifall nights total); and Replicated methodologies and survey effort used at all “standard sites” or suitable target sites Mammal scats, tracks and traces search. included: Pitfall Trapping – The pitfall traps consisted of 4 x 20L plastic buckets sunk into the ground A variety of other techniques were employed opportunistically within the study area, i.e.: in a “T” design, 8m apart, and connected by a 30cm high drift fence. Traps were open for Vehicle and walking spotlighting; four-days/four- nights; Harp trapping of insectivorous bats (four harp trap nights total); Funnel Trapping – Collapsible funnel traps were set along each side of the drift fence at the Opportunistic vertebrate searches; and extremities of the pitfall line; Identification of animal tracks, feeding marks and bone material. Elliott Trapping – Twenty aluminum box traps (Elliott Type “A”) were set approximately 10m apart throughout each site. Traps were open for four nights; The survey program provided records for 92 native fauna species, comprising nine mammal, Cage Trapping – Wire cage traps (dimensions 80 x 50 x 50cm) were set at two corners of two frog, 16 reptile, and 65 bird species. Five introduced fauna species were recorded, each site. Traps were open for four nights; comprising four mammal and one amphibian species. Diurnal Birds – brief or “snapshot” bird counts were undertaken within the 100 x 100m (1 ha) plot on eight different occasions over four days. Each site had at least four separate counts The report notes that no species listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare under Nature conducted during the early (0-2hrs after dawn) morning, and the rest during different times Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 were recorded. of the day; Herpetofauna – Active searches for frogs and reptiles were undertaken within 50 x 50m 2.2. DERM 1999 Fauna Surveys (0.25ha) plot on five separate occasions over five days (three daytime, and two nocturnal searches). Each search was carried out for the equivalent of 20 minutes (e.g. two people for 10 minutes); The DERM (1999) reporting provides the results of a summer replication of the fauna survey Call Playback for Nocturnal Species – Pre-recorded calls of barking owl, masked/grass owl undertaken in 1998, though also surveying two additional sites on the Monklands property. The and sugar glider were broadcast into the plot, to try to draw a territorial response from any of summer survey program provided records for 97 native fauna species, comprising five mammal, the target species. Each call was played for three minutes, followed by 2 minutes of six frog, 19 reptile, and 67 bird species. Four introduced fauna species were recorded, silence; comprising three mammal and one amphibian species. Spotlighting Transect – Primarily used to detect arboreal mammals and macropods but The report notes that no species listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare under Nature other species also recorded (e.g. reptiles). One observer using a portable 30W spotlight, Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 were recorded. walking along a 100m transect for 15 minutes; and Bat Detection – Ultrasonic bat detectors (Anabat) were installed on each plot for one night.
9 Report notes “This design, modified from the strategy developed by Dr John Woinarski for bioregional surveys in the Northern Territory, have been widely used throughout savannahs in northern Australia”.
Page 11 of 100 Page 12 of 100 1313 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Non-standard methods used at suitable standard or targeted sites included
Harp Trapping – collapsible bat traps (‘harp’ traps) were used to capture small insectivorous bats. Harp traps were set on roadways or over drainage lines as close as possible to the survey site, in the same habitat type; and Identification of tracks and signs.
The location of the standard surveys sites is provided in Figure 3-1.
The report notes that both the weather conditions and seasonal timing were suitable. The survey program provided records for 126 fauna species, comprising 11 native mammals, three introduced mammals, 20 reptiles, one introduced amphibian, and 91 bird species.
The report notes that “The surveys did not result in the detection of any Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare (EVR) species”.
2.4. DERM 2011 Fauna Surveys
The DERM (2011) report provides a collation of fauna records for the Bimblebox Nature Refuge Datasets available included the records of CSIRO Division of Sustainable Ecosystems fauna surveys 2003-07; DERM Wildnet data; Birds Australia bird surveys 2003-11; and records of the DERM Nature Refuge Branch survey 19 to 22 November 2011.
The report notes that DERM Nature Refuge Branch staff undertook a survey of four dams on the property for a total of eight person hours over three days, as well as surveying opportunistically elsewhere on the property.
The collated fauna list provides records for 201 native species, comprising 20 mammals, 35 reptiles, 9 frogs, and 137 bird species. Five introduced species were also recorded, i.e. four mammal and one amphibian species.
In regard to threatened fauna, the report notes the following: “The landholders have recorded an instance of squatter pigeon Geophaps scripta nesting on the property”. “During the NR Branch survey an adult blacknecked stork (Near Threatened) was seen at Reid’s Dam on the refuge”. “In May 2011 a sight record of a single black-throated finch – the Endangered nominate subspecies Poephila cincta cincta -was reported with a more recent record of a bird calling.”
2.5. Alpha Coal Project Fauna Surveys 2011
The AARC (2010) report was prepared as part of the Alpha Coal Project EIS submitted in 2011. The Alpha Coal project is located to the near north of the study site, and encompasses approximately 120,000 hectares10. These mining leases are located immediately adjacent and to the north of the study site.
The report notes that “The fauna sampling methodology for the project site was based on ‘standard survey’ techniques that are used to sample terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate fauna. Sampling of fauna was conducted primarily along transects established in each of the major vegetation communities”. A total of 36 fauna transect sites were established on, and
10 The Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd project includes MLA 70426 (64,630.6824ha) and MLA 70425 (37,380.8193ha).
Page 13 of 100 1314 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Non-standard methods used at suitable standard or targeted sites included surrounding the Project site. Fauna transects were established across the range of vegetation communities present on the project site and surveyed between 2008 and 2010. Harp Trapping – collapsible bat traps (‘harp’ traps) were used to capture small insectivorous bats. Harp traps were set on roadways or over drainage lines as close as possible to the At each of the standard trapping sites the following survey methods were used: habitat survey site, in the same habitat type; and assessment; pitfall trapping; funnel trapping; Elliott trapping; ultrasonic bat detection (Anabat); Identification of tracks and signs. spotlighting; and active searching. Each site was subject to trapping regimes of up to four consecutive nights for pitfall traps and five consecutive nights for all other traps. The location of the standard surveys sites is provided in Figure 3-1. Replicated methodologies and survey effort used at all fauna transect sites included: The report notes that both the weather conditions and seasonal timing were suitable. The Pitfall trapping - Each line consisted of a 20 centimeter (cm) tall wire-mesh drift fence survey program provided records for 126 fauna species, comprising 11 native mammals, three running along the ground and crossing the middle of five 20 litre buckets buried flush with introduced mammals, 20 reptiles, one introduced amphibian, and 91 bird species. the soil surface. The overall survey effort was 400 pitfall trap nights. Funnel trapping - Funnel traps were placed at the end of each drift fence at the pitfall trap- The report notes that “The surveys did not result in the detection of any Endangered, lines and along fallen timber at secondary trap sites. Total funnel trap effort for all surveys Vulnerable or Rare (EVR) species”. was 293 trap nights. Elliott trapping - Type A Elliott traps were positioned in two rows at each transect, 2.4. DERM 2011 Fauna Surveys approximately 100 m apart, with each trap separated by approximately ten metres. The overall survey effort (combining each field survey) was 1709 Elliot trap nights. Cage trapping - The overall survey effort for cage trapping was 209 trap nights. The DERM (2011) report provides a collation of fauna records for the Bimblebox Nature Refuge Datasets available included the records of CSIRO Division of Sustainable Ecosystems fauna Microbat surveys - Anabat was utilised throughout surveys, recording micro-bat calls at surveys 2003-07; DERM Wildnet data; Birds Australia bird surveys 2003-11; and records of the each vegetation community. The overall Anabat survey effort was 45 nights. DERM Nature Refuge Branch survey 19 to 22 November 2011. Bird surveys - A dedicated search for diurnal birds was conducted visually and aurally on mornings and afternoons of the survey in the immediate vicinity of each fauna transect. The report notes that DERM Nature Refuge Branch staff undertook a survey of four dams on Spotlighting - Two spotlighting techniques were employed. Walking searches provided 67 the property for a total of eight person hours over three days, as well as surveying survey person hours, whilst driving searches provided 48 person hours of survey effort. opportunistically elsewhere on the property. A combined total of 156 native fauna species were identified on the project site, comprising 29 The collated fauna list provides records for 201 native species, comprising 20 mammals, 35 mammals, 26 reptiles, nine amphibians, and 92 birds. Eight introduced fauna species were reptiles, 9 frogs, and 137 bird species. Five introduced species were also recorded, i.e. four recorded, comprising seven mammal and one amphibian species. mammal and one amphibian species. Two threatened fauna species were detected during the survey program. The report noted that In regard to threatened fauna, the report notes the following: the Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta was recorded during the survey within “The landholders have recorded an instance of squatter pigeon Geophaps scripta nesting the non-remnant grassland vegetation community and that “Extensive areas of habitat suitable on the property”. for the southern Squatter Pigeon exist on the Project site and within the local region”. The Little “During the NR Branch survey an adult blacknecked stork (Near Threatened) was seen at Pied bat Chalinolobus picatus was detected through the Anabat surveys within the silver-leaved Reid’s Dam on the refuge”. ironbark woodland community. No additional information on abundance or record locations is provided in the report. “In May 2011 a sight record of a single black-throated finch – the Endangered nominate subspecies Poephila cincta cincta -was reported with a more recent record of a bird calling.” 2.6. Birdlife Australia 2012 Surveys 2.5. Alpha Coal Project Fauna Surveys 2011 The aim of the Birdlife SQ (2012) report was to “… fill in the gaps in knowledge of bird distribution” and targeting coal leases, Bimblebox Nature Refuge, National Parks and other The AARC (2010) report was prepared as part of the Alpha Coal Project EIS submitted in 2011. conservation areas, and areas where threatened species might be present. Particular The Alpha Coal project is located to the near north of the study site, and encompasses 10 emphasis was given to target surveys for the Black-throated Finch (southern) and Squatter approximately 120,000 hectares . These mining leases are located immediately adjacent and Pigeon (southern). to the north of the study site. A survey team of 16 volunteers were divided into two survey groups. Both groups surveyed the The report notes that “The fauna sampling methodology for the project site was based on Bimblebox Nature Refuge, amongst a variety of other sites within the region which the two ‘standard survey’ techniques that are used to sample terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate fauna. groups surveyed independently. At all properties the birds were recorded in two types of Sampling of fauna was conducted primarily along transects established in each of the major permanent sites based on the Birds Australia Area Search Methods. Both sites were circular vegetation communities”. A total of 36 fauna transect sites were established on, and around the central GPS location. 2ha/20 minute sites – where bird species and numbers were counted in a 2ha area in a 20 minute period. These sites were located inside the larger 80 ha sites. For all sites a 2ha 10 The Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd project includes MLA 70426 (64,630.6824ha) and MLA 70425 (37,380.8193ha). Search Area Atlas Habitat Form was completed.
Page 13 of 100 Page 14 of 100 1315 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
500m radius sites - where birds species but not numbers, were noted in a 500m radius around a point (~ 80ha) over a period of 60 to 90 minutes.
The survey effort implemented on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge included 13 x 500m Atlas surveys and nine two-hectare Atlas surveys. In addition, five acoustic sensors, from the Queensland University of Technology, were also deployed on Bimblebox Nature Refuge by Dave Stewart. These battery-operated recording devices were set to continuously record for up to seven days.
A total of 96 species were recorded on the Bimblebox nature Refuge site. The following was noted in regard to surveys on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge: “Surveys were part of a long-term bird monitoring project that had been established in 2003 and previously re-recorded in 2005 and 2011”. “The 94 species recorded this time compare favourably to the numbers of 74, 61 and 93 found respectively in 2003, 2005 and 2011”. “New species have been found during each survey with the total numbers increasing from 74 to 82, 108 and to 122 following the recent visit”. “With input from other visitors the number of birds now recorded for Bimblebox is 149”.
The report notes that no Black-throated Finch (southern) or Squatter Pigeon (southern) were recorded on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, though Black-throated Finch (southern) was located at 13 sites within the northern parts of the bioregion. The results of the acoustic sensor surveys were not available at the time of the report being produced.
Page 15 of 100 1316 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
500m radius sites - where birds species but not numbers, were noted in a 500m radius around a point (~ 80ha) over a period of 60 to 90 minutes. 3. SEIS Fauna Survey Program
The survey effort implemented on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge included 13 x 500m Atlas surveys and nine two-hectare Atlas surveys. In addition, five acoustic sensors, from the 3.1. Methodology Queensland University of Technology, were also deployed on Bimblebox Nature Refuge by Dave Stewart. These battery-operated recording devices were set to continuously record for up 3.1.1. Existing Information Review to seven days. A number of Geographical Information System (GIS) datasets were integrated to assess A total of 96 species were recorded on the Bimblebox nature Refuge site. The following was baseline information. The datasets included: noted in regard to surveys on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge: Rectified aerial photography, cadastre and lease boundaries (supplied by Waratah Coal) “Surveys were part of a long-term bird monitoring project that had been established in 2003 and Google Earth imagery; and previously re-recorded in 2005 and 2011”. VMA RE and Remnant Vegetation mapping (Version 6.1 – DERM 2012a), Essential “The 94 species recorded this time compare favourably to the numbers of 74, 61 and 93 Habitat mapping (Version 3.0; DERM 2012a), and Regrowth Vegetation mapping found respectively in 2003, 2005 and 2011”. (Version 2.1 – DERM 2011b); “New species have been found during each survey with the total numbers increasing from RE and habitat biodiversity mapping specifically undertaken for the study site (Worley 74 to 82, 108 and to 122 following the recent visit”. Parsons 2009; Unidel 2011a; and the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report); “With input from other visitors the number of birds now recorded for Bimblebox is 149”. Biodiversity Planning Assessment reports and mapping (DERM 2012e).
The report notes that no Black-throated Finch (southern) or Squatter Pigeon (southern) were In addition to the GIS datasets, previous searches of public access databases were rerun to recorded on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, though Black-throated Finch (southern) was located update information previously undertaken in preparation of the draft EIS reporting. This at 13 sites within the northern parts of the bioregion. The results of the acoustic sensor surveys included a comprehensive series of searches of the WildNet Wildlife Online database DERM were not available at the time of the report being produced. (20121d).
The interrogation of the Wildlife Online database provided a series of extracts centered on the study site, and ultimately providing coverage of an area up to 75 kilometers from the center of the study site (-23.4434 146.3966). To provide additional contextual information, species lists were extracted for the following conservation areas: Snake Ridge National Park; Idalia National Park; Cudmore National Park; Narrien Range National Park; Forest Den National Park; Epping Forest National Park; Mazeppa National Park; and Peak Range National Park. The findings of fauna surveys for the adjoining mining leases and surrounding area, in addition to those assessed in the previous section of this report, were also reviewed (e.g. Kutt 1999; Morgan et al. 2002; AARC 2004 and 2010; GHD 2010; Unidel 2011b).
As noted previously, information not available during the compilation of the draft EIS, was collated and reviewed for the SEIS. Fauna records derived from that review have been incorporated within the fauna database for this report, and provided background information to support assessments undertaken as part of the SEIS fauna survey program.
3.1.2. Field Survey Program
The survey program was undertaken during the periods 11 to 15 and 19 to 26 April 2011 (inclusive). The survey team comprised Lindsay Agnew, Ed Meyer, Bruce Thomson and Greg Ford. All members of the survey team were familiar with the type and diversity of habitats on the study site through previous survey experience. Each member of the study team has considerable experience in the design and implementation of fauna surveys, including those for threatened fauna. All investigators have the skills to reliably identify threatened species known or potentially likely to occur within the study site and surrounds, and are suitably experienced in regard to their knowledge of the biology of the target species in order to determine in the field the most appropriate survey methodologies.
All methods required to implement the field survey work, were employed in accordance with Austecology’s QPWS Scientific Purposes Permit, DPI Animal Ethics Approvals and DERM
Page 15 of 100 Page 16 of 100 1317 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Scientific User Certificate. The design and implementation of the surveys was informed by previous site familiarity, requirements of DERM, and best practice guidelines such as SEWPaC (2011a).
The survey program comprised two main approaches (and supplementary work) which were consistent with the requirements identified from a series of meetings with DERM officers in February 201211. The first required primary survey approach comprised a suite of standardised techniques at each of the survey sites, which replicated the survey protocols applied previously by Unidel (2011a).
The methods and survey effort to be applied at each of the six survey sites were as follows:
4-day/4-night pitfall and funnel trapping survey. Pitfall traps were used to survey reptiles, frogs, and small-sized ground mammals (e.g. dunnarts Sminthopsis spp. and planigales Planigale spp.) that rarely enter Elliott traps. At each site, the pitfall trap line consisted of five, 20-litre plastic buckets sunk into to the ground approximately five metres apart and connected by a drift fence line (30cm high, embossed, polythene dampcourse). Along each line, eight funnel traps (750mm x 180mm x 180mm) were set in alternate positions to pitfall traps. The traps lines were opened over a continuous period of four-nights/four- days.
4-night Elliott box-trap survey. Small-sized ground mammals were surveyed using Elliott (Type A) traps. At each location, 20 Type A traps (8x10x33cm) were set along a linear transect which optimised sampling coverage of each habitat type at that location. Traps were opened for four consecutive nights at each sampling location. Traps were baited with a peanut butter/rolled oats/honey mix and baits replaced as necessary.
Three x 20 minute bird surveys. At each site, two morning and one afternoon census session was undertaken. Surveys were conducted within two hours of sunrise and sunset. Birds were identified from either direct observation and/or their vocalisation.
One person hour of active, diurnal ground searching. The method involved rolling logs and rocks, and raking soil at the base of trees and shrubs etc. Ground search sessions were conducted during mornings and afternoons under suitable conditions.
One survey person hour of active, nocturnal ground searching and spotlighting. Spotlighting searches were undertaken on foot using 30-watt spotlights and low-wattage headlamps. Depending on the habitat characteristics, approximately half of this search effort was dedicated to arboreal searches with the remaining time spent on ground searches for nocturnal herpetofauna and ground mammals (i.e. bandicoots). Where applicable (typically restricted to control sites), arboreal surveys targeted mammals (i.e. possums and gliders), nocturnal birds (i.e. owls & nightjars), reptiles (i.e. snakes and geckos) and flying mammals (e.g. flying foxes).
Overnight microbat call detection surveys. The survey program for insectivorous bat fauna was undertaken using electronic bat detectors. Remote detection (i.e. equipment programmed for unattended, fixed point, overnight detection of microbat calls) was conducted over one night (app. 12 hours). All recorded calls were sent to Greg Ford for analysis and identification.
The abovementioned component of the survey program was augmented by supplementary surveys, which by their nature, were either not applicable to a systematic survey site
11 DERM representatives from Threatened Species Partnerships (Brisbane), Biodiversity Planning (Emerald), and Environmental Performance and Coordination Branch (Brisbane).
Page 17 of 100 1318 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Scientific User Certificate. The design and implementation of the surveys was informed by approach (as it is difficult to replicate the effort) or were undertaken opportunistically. This previous site familiarity, requirements of DERM, and best practice guidelines such as work included the following: SEWPaC (2011a). Overnight microbat call detection surveys. Additional overnight call detection surveys The survey program comprised two main approaches (and supplementary work) which were were undertaken at a further five locations. consistent with the requirements identified from a series of meetings with DERM officers in 11 February 2012 . The first required primary survey approach comprised a suite of Driving spotlight searches (driver plus one observer with 100 Watt spotlight) were standardised techniques at each of the survey sites, which replicated the survey protocols undertaken from a 4WD along the track system within the study site. These were applied previously by Unidel (2011a). conducted for a minimum of approximately ½ hour on each of the survey nights. Driving spotlight searches were undertaken primarily to survey for larger arboreal and ground The methods and survey effort to be applied at each of the six survey sites were as follows: mammals (e.g. macropods, foxes, cats and dogs).
4-day/4-night pitfall and funnel trapping survey. Pitfall traps were used to survey reptiles, Inferential evidence - Inferential evidence of fauna occurrence was sought and found frogs, and small-sized ground mammals (e.g. dunnarts Sminthopsis spp. and planigales throughout the study site. This included: visual inspections of trees for trunk Planigale spp.) that rarely enter Elliott traps. At each site, the pitfall trap line consisted of scratches/rubbings; searches for both predator and non-predator scats; fauna tracks; five, 20-litre plastic buckets sunk into to the ground approximately five metres apart and and other signs of fauna occurrence (e.g. feeding debris, shed skins, nests, etc.). Only connected by a drift fence line (30cm high, embossed, polythene dampcourse). Along evidence, which could be categorised as definitive, was used to record a species each line, eight funnel traps (750mm x 180mm x 180mm) were set in alternate positions occurrence on the study area. Scats or pellets found were either identified in the field to pitfall traps. The traps lines were opened over a continuous period of four-nights/four- (using Triggs 2004) or collected to be sent for identification and content analysis by days. Barbara Triggs, ‘Dead Finish’, Victoria.
4-night Elliott box-trap survey. Small-sized ground mammals were surveyed using Elliott The second primary survey approach was dedicated to targeted survey work for Vulnerable (Type A) traps. At each location, 20 Type A traps (8x10x33cm) were set along a linear and Near Threatened species. DERM recommended additional targeted surveys for at least transect which optimised sampling coverage of each habitat type at that location. Traps three EVNT reptile species, including the Common Death Adder Acanthophis antarciticus, were opened for four consecutive nights at each sampling location. Traps were baited Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa, Ctenotus capricorni and Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma with a peanut butter/rolled oats/honey mix and baits replaced as necessary. orientalis. The Ornamental Snake Denisonia maculata was also included within the suite of target species. Three x 20 minute bird surveys. At each site, two morning and one afternoon census session was undertaken. Surveys were conducted within two hours of sunrise and Surveys which were implemented throughout remnant vegetation habitats across the study sunset. Birds were identified from either direct observation and/or their vocalisation. site, included diurnal hand searches, visual searches, nocturnal headlamp and spotlight searches, and slow driving transects. Particular attention was given to target reptile surveys One person hour of active, diurnal ground searching. The method involved rolling logs within the north-western part of the study site, where a three-day/three-night survey was and rocks, and raking soil at the base of trees and shrubs etc. Ground search sessions implemented. This area supported potentially suitable habitat for all EVNT reptiles, with the were conducted during mornings and afternoons under suitable conditions. exception of the Ornamental Snake. Whilst uncommon on the study site, small and isolated areas of heavier clay soils (Brigalow on cracking clays) occur and these were targeted as One survey person hour of active, nocturnal ground searching and spotlighting. part of the surveys, primarily for Brigalow Scaly-foot and Ornamental Snake. Spotlighting searches were undertaken on foot using 30-watt spotlights and low-wattage headlamps. Depending on the habitat characteristics, approximately half of this search Visual searches were primarily undertaken primarily during mornings, by walking through effort was dedicated to arboreal searches with the remaining time spent on ground potentially suitable habitat and scanning for animals either emerging from refuges or active searches for nocturnal herpetofauna and ground mammals (i.e. bandicoots). Where animals detected/flushed during traverses through suitable habitat. Visual searches were applicable (typically restricted to control sites), arboreal surveys targeted mammals (i.e. also implemented to target particular refuges of interest, previously detected during other possums and gliders), nocturnal birds (i.e. owls & nightjars), reptiles (i.e. snakes and survey activities. Diurnal hand searches were typically undertaken between mid-morning geckos) and flying mammals (e.g. flying foxes). and late afternoon and involved searching for sheltering reptiles and through areas of potentially suitable habitat throughout the study site. Overnight microbat call detection surveys. The survey program for insectivorous bat fauna was undertaken using electronic bat detectors. Remote detection (i.e. equipment Nocturnal searches were implemented during the early/warmest part of the evening, typically programmed for unattended, fixed point, overnight detection of microbat calls) was up until 2000hrs. Searches were undertaken on foot using 30-watt spotlights and low- conducted over one night (app. 12 hours). All recorded calls were sent to Greg Ford for wattage headlamps and were dedicated to ground searches. Slow driving transects along analysis and identification. dirt tracks were implemented around last light, though also opportunistically at other times during the evening when transferring between survey areas. The abovementioned component of the survey program was augmented by supplementary surveys, which by their nature, were either not applicable to a systematic survey site Whilst pitfall and funnel trap lines were not established as a specific part of this program, they were located with remnant vegetation (all six survey sites) which supported potentially 11 DERM representatives from Threatened Species Partnerships (Brisbane), Biodiversity Planning (Emerald), suitable habitat for species, including Ctenotus capricorni, Brigalow Scaly-foot and and Environmental Performance and Coordination Branch (Brisbane). Ornamental Snake.
Page 17 of 100 Page 18 of 100 1319 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
The design and implementation of the field investigation program undertaken for this report was guided by previous survey experience and is considered to be consistent with the survey guidelines as provided in SEWPaC (2011a) and BBRW (2010).
In addition to the abovementioned target surveys, extensive ground searches were undertaken within the rugged sandstone landscape of the Spring Creek (primarily land zone 10), an area of potential habitat suitability for Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. That work included daytime searches for potential den sites and signs of activity, scats and latrines.
3.2. Findings and Interpretation
3.2.1. Field Conditions
Conditions were generally fine and warm to hot throughout the survey period. Nocturnal surveys were implemented under new moon conditions. Temperature ranges (collected during the survey) for both diurnal and nocturnal surveys were considered to a suitable12. Whilst no rainfall was recorded during the survey period, above average rainfall had been recorded for all months (January to March 2012) preceding the survey13. Overall, conditions for the field program were regarded as suitable for the detection of the widest representation of the fauna assemblage known and/or considered likely to occur within the study site, including all target threatened fauna.
3.2.2. Survey Site and Survey Area Descriptions
A suite of standardised fauna surveys were undertaken at six survey sites which replicated the survey protocols applied previously by Unidel (2011a). The location of these survey sites is shown within Figure 3-1. Appendix A provides a habitat description for each survey site, and Appendix B provides a series of photographs of each survey site. The following provides a summary description of the main habitat attributes of each survey site.
Survey site 1 was located within mixed eucalypt woodland and Triodia grassland in the north-west sector of Lambton Meadows, to the near east of Cavendish Road. Survey site 2 was located within open eucalypt woodland with thick understory of shrubs on the western side of Lambton Meadows, south of the powerline easement crossing Cavendish Road. Survey site 3 was located within low open shrubland on sandy soils in far north-west corner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. Survey site 4 was located within Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland within the northern sector of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, and to the south of the powerline easement. Survey site 5 was located within remnant brigalow woodland along the eastern boundary of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. Survey site 6 was located within mixed ironbark/poplar box woodland in the south-east corner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
In addition to the site-based survey program, remnant and regrowth vegetation communities were surveyed as part of the additional target investigations for the Black-throated Finch (southern) and other threatened fauna. Austecology (2011) provides descriptions of the terrestrial habitats and wetland habitats surveyed, and the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report provides a more comprehensive and updated description of these vegetation communities.
12 Nocturnal surveys: ground temperatures between 19.1 to 23.7oC; and air temperatures between 18.0 and 24oC. Diurnal surveys: ground temperatures between 21.0 to 26.6 oC; and air temperatures between 20.0 and 27.0 oC. All temperatures measured in the field. 13 Monthly rainfall data recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology station 35000, Alpha Post Office.
Page 19 of 100 1320 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
The design and implementation of the field investigation program undertaken for this report During the April 2012 SEIS survey program, particular attention was given to surveying the was guided by previous survey experience and is considered to be consistent with the habitats of the Spring Creek area. Located within the north-western sector of the study site, survey guidelines as provided in SEWPaC (2011a) and BBRW (2010). this area is dominated by land zones 7 and 10 landscapes and these contrast strongly with the remainder of the study site. This area drains to the south via a series of seasonal In addition to the abovementioned target surveys, extensive ground searches were watercourses (variously described as Pebbly Creek/Spring Creek) which ultimately join undertaken within the rugged sandstone landscape of the Spring Creek (primarily land zone Lagoon Creek within the eastern part of the study site. 10), an area of potential habitat suitability for Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. That work included daytime searches for potential den sites and signs of activity, scats and latrines. At the centre of this area is Mount Belmont which rises to approximately 480m in height. This isolated plateau (land zone 7) supports a sparse tree canopy dominated by Eucalyptus 3.2. Findings and Interpretation thozetiana, an open understory and sparse ground cover, often dominated by spinifex (Triodia pungens). Steeper slopes are rocky and highly dissected outcrops are a feature of the upper slopes and outer fringes of the upper plateau. These areas support a wide 3.2.1. Field Conditions diversity of microhabitats suitable for reptiles and cavernous habitat of possible value to species such as the Northern Quoll. Conditions were generally fine and warm to hot throughout the survey period. Nocturnal surveys were implemented under new moon conditions. Temperature ranges (collected Landscapes to the west are dominated by land zone 10, and are a southern extension of a during the survey) for both diurnal and nocturnal surveys were considered to a suitable12. range extending north and north-west of the study site. Here, sandstone ridges and isolated Whilst no rainfall was recorded during the survey period, above average rainfall had been rises are a feature. Vegetation communities vary considerably throughout this area, where recorded for all months (January to March 2012) preceding the survey13. Overall, conditions the structure and dominance of the tree canopy varies from low closed woodland to open for the field program were regarded as suitable for the detection of the widest representation woodland, and variously dominated by bloodwoods such as Corymbia leichhardtii, Acacia of the fauna assemblage known and/or considered likely to occur within the study site, shirleyi, and/or A. catenulata. Ground cover vegetation varies considerably depending on including all target threatened fauna. position within the landscape, being generally sparse apart from on soils at the base (or lower slopes) of sandstone rises and associated with a variety of small watercourses and 3.2.2. Survey Site and Survey Area Descriptions seeps. A feature of this area was the variety of cavernous habitats of the mid and upper slopes, and broad areas of low sandstone outcropping which supported rock slabs. A suite of standardised fauna surveys were undertaken at six survey sites which replicated the survey protocols applied previously by Unidel (2011a). The location of these survey Surface water was present during the survey period, typically as small pools of water sites is shown within Figure 3-1. Appendix A provides a habitat description for each survey contained within sandstone depressions resulting from groundwater seeps. Evidence of a site, and Appendix B provides a series of photographs of each survey site. The following hot fire event(s) was noted throughout parts of this area. It is understood that the most provides a summary description of the main habitat attributes of each survey site. recent fire occurred in October 2011, and that fires within this landscape occur about every five years (pers comm. D. Gordon, Cavendish, 2012). For the majority of the regional 14 Survey site 1 was located within mixed eucalypt woodland and Triodia grassland in the ecosystems mapped within this area, the DEHP REDD notes that frequent wildfire is a north-west sector of Lambton Meadows, to the near east of Cavendish Road. potential threat due to the slow recovery rate of plant cover and the sensitivity to burning of some taxa (e.g. Acacia shirleyi and A. catenulata). Survey site 2 was located within open eucalypt woodland with thick understory of shrubs on the western side of Lambton Meadows, south of the powerline easement crossing Whilst habitats to the east of Mount Belmont support low rises, the relief is not as great as Cavendish Road. observed within the abovementioned areas to the west. The low plateau landscape (mainly Survey site 3 was located within low open shrubland on sandy soils in far north-west land zone 5) of this area is dominated by Acacia shirleyi or A. catenulata dominated corner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. woodland habitats. A sparse tree canopy dominated by Eucalyptus thozetiana is typical of Survey site 4 was located within Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland within the northern the side slopes. Understory and ground cover vegetation density varies throughout these sector of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, and to the south of the powerline easement. habitats, though sparse ground cover was generally more common. Low rock outcrops were Survey site 5 was located within remnant brigalow woodland along the eastern boundary commonly encountered and fallen timber relatively abundant. No surface water was of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. observed during the survey period. This area did not exhibit widespread evidence of the fire Survey site 6 was located within mixed ironbark/poplar box woodland in the south-east event which had affected parts of the western area, though there was evidence of hot fire corner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. events having affected the eastern areas in the past.
In addition to the site-based survey program, remnant and regrowth vegetation communities There are five large dams within the Spring Creek area, and the largest is situated to the were surveyed as part of the additional target investigations for the Black-throated Finch near north of Mount Belmont. This water body has been surveyed on a several surveys and (southern) and other threatened fauna. Austecology (2011) provides descriptions of the provided records of a variety of waterbirds, including two near-threatened species. This site terrestrial habitats and wetland habitats surveyed, and the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report has been previously described as water body #31 (see Austecology 2011). provides a more comprehensive and updated description of these vegetation communities.
12 Nocturnal surveys: ground temperatures between 19.1 to 23.7oC; and air temperatures between 18.0 and 14 24oC. Diurnal surveys: ground temperatures between 21.0 to 26.6 oC; and air temperatures between 20.0 and Queensland Herbarium (2011) Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version 6.0b - January 27.0 oC. All temperatures measured in the field. 2011, (January 2011) (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection: Brisbane). 13 Monthly rainfall data recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology station 35000, Alpha Post Office.
Page 19 of 100 Page 20 of 100 1321 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
This page is intentionally left blank.
1322 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
410000 415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
Microbat harp trap site 7420000 7420000 (Unidel survey program 2009-2010) Microbat mist netting site (Unidel survey program 2009-2010) Standardised Fauna Survey Site Monklands Unidel survey program (2009-2010) Spring Creek Austecology survey program (2011-2012) Queensland Environment Protection Agency Kia Ora survey program (2006) Waterbody and Wetland survey sites 7415000 7415000 (Austecology survey program 2011-2012) Microbat call detection survey site Monklands Unidel survey program (2009-2010) Austecology survey program (2011-2012) 3 Worley Parsons survey program (2009) Cavendish 4 5
7410000 7410000 Cavendish Glen Innes (BBNR) 6 1 Monklands Lambton Meadows 7405000 7405000 2 Lambton Meadows Monklands Saltbush 7400000 Lambton Meadows 7400000 Lambton Meadows 7395000 7395000 Corntop Corntop Eureka Oakleigh
Toarbee
410000 415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Queensland Environment Protection Agency survey GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Roads & Waterways: Geoscience Australia 2010 program (2006), Worley Parsons survey program Source: Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 (2009) FIGURE 3-1: Fauna Survey: Austecology survey program (2011- Remnant Vegetation: Vegetation Management Act EPC1040 & Part of Probable Clearing Footprint 2012), Unidel survey program (2009-2010) Regional Ecosystems Vers 6.1 2012 EPC1079 This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Subsidence Footprint DISTRIBUTION OF liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including Disclaimer: Metres Cadastral Boundary consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Remnant Vegetation used in breach of privacy laws. A3 Scale 1:120,000 FAUNA SURVEY SITES Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0017-FIG3-1a-FAUNA-SITES-120801 Date: 1/08/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator
1323 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
3.2.3. Fauna Records
A total of 197 fauna species were recorded on the study site during the SEIS April 2012 survey program. The recorded assemblage comprised 28 mammals (including six introduced species)15, 36 reptiles, eight amphibians (including the introduced Cane Toad Rhinella marina), and 125 bird species. Attachment C provides a list of the species recorded.
The results derived from the standardised survey site-based program accounted for approximately 45% of the total number species recorded during the overall survey program. This part of the survey program provided records for seven mammals, 28 reptiles, six amphibians, and 47 bird species. These results included records for two introduced fauna species (House Mouse Mus musculus and Cane Toad). No threatened fauna species were recorded as a result of the survey site-based program.
The highest species richness result was recorded at survey site 6 (46 species). The lowest result was derived from survey site 3. Attachment C provides a full list of species recorded at each of the six survey sites.
Attachments C, D, E, and F provide summaries of the key components of the survey site- based program (trapping, diurnal ground searches, nocturnal surveys and bird surveys). The data provided in those Attachments is summarized as follows: Bird surveys – the highest level of activity was recorded at survey site 6, with the lowest recorded at surveys sites 2, 3 and 5. Diurnal ground searches produced the highest recorded level of activity from survey site 6, though no notable difference with results from survey sites 2 and 5. The poorest result was recorded a survey site 3. The highest level of recorded activity during the nocturnal surveys was recorded at survey site 5. Results at other survey sites were notably poorer, though particularly results from survey sites 2, 3 and 4. The combined results for the Elliott, pitfall and funnel trapping program were highest at survey sites 6, with notably lower results derived from survey sites 1 and 4.
The differences in the survey results between the survey sites are likely to reflect the variation between the presence/absence and combination of conditions and resources available to fauna within the habitats present.
Table 3-1 Summary of the Overall Survey Program Results
Standardised Overall April Species Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 survey site Survey Richness program Program Mammals 2 3 2 1 0 3 7 28 Reptiles 10 5 3 9 13 13 28 36 Frogs 1 0 3 2 3 2 6 8 Birds 19 16 14 22 17 28 47 125 Totals 32 24 22 34 33 46 88 197
15 i.e. House Mouse Mus musculus, Dog Canis familiaris, Feral Cat Felis catus, Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, Pig Sus scrofa, and Cattle Bos taurus.
Page 22 of 100 1324 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Opportunistic surveys contributed a variety of records in addition to the survey site-based program. These largely comprised waterbirds, and notably, records of two Near Threatened species, Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus and Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus. Both were recorded from a dam in the central northern part of the study site (see Figure 6-1).
A wide variety of reptiles were recorded as part of the target reptile survey program and there was considerable commonality between the results of this program and work implemented as part of the survey site-based program. Only one threatened reptile species was recorded as part of this work, the Vulnerable Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis. A single animal was recorded from sandstone landscapes of the Spring Creek area, within the north-western part of the study site (see Figure 6-1).
Further information on threatened fauna is provided in Section 6 of this report.
Page 23 of 100 1325 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
4. Integration and Review of Fauna Survey Results
As noted previously, information not available during the compilation of the draft EIS, was collated and reviewed for the SEIS. Section 3.1 of this report provides a summary review of the survey approaches and results for the study site. Additional resources pertaining to the surrounding area provide context for the results of surveys on the study site.
Attachments H, I, J, and K provide fauna records derived from this review. The key information sources within the database are as follows:
1. In regard to the surrounding area: a. Fauna records extracted from the DERM Wildlife Online database for the area within 75 kilometers of the study site; and b. Records from fauna surveys which formed part of the Alpha Coal Project 2011 EIS (AARC surveys 2008 to 2010).
2. In regard to the study site: a. Records from fauna surveys undertaken by DERM during 1998 and 1999 on the Glenn Innes (Bimblebox Nature Refuge), Monklands, and Lambton Meadows properties; b. Records from fauna surveys undertaken by EPA in 2006 on the Lambton Meadows property; c. Records from fauna surveys, as compiled by DERM in 2012, for the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, including: CSIRO 2003 to 2007; Birds Australia 2003 to 2011; and DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011; d. Records from fauna surveys which formed part of the draft Galilee Coal Project EIS (Unidel16 and Worley Parsons17 surveys 2008 to 2010); and e. Records from fauna surveys undertaken for the Galilee Coal Project SEIS (Austecology 2011 to 2012).
For the study site, the reviewed results represent a collection of fauna data over a 15-year period. For some of the information, there was no accompanying information in regard to field methodologies, survey effort and/or frequency, e.g. CSIRO 2003 to 2007 and Birds Australia 2003 to 2011, though both are described elsewhere as “monitoring” programs.
For the remaining information sources, the following can be summarized in regards to the survey data reviewed: The data is derived from surveys undertaken throughout the seasonal cycle, included several dry and wet season survey events. The data is derived from periods characterised by very dry and wet conditions, i.e. years of above and below median annual rainfall. Survey timing correlated with historical meteorological data drawn from long-term rainfall data18 (see Figure 4-1). From information sources that provide suitable detail, the following conservative conclusions can be drawn: o 16 fauna survey events provide a minimum 90 field-survey and 177 survey-person days. The average length of a survey event was almost six days in duration. o All 16 survey events have been implemented within the proposed open cut and underground impact zones.
16 A total of 130 vertebrate species were recorded during this field survey (22 mammals, 15 reptiles, 5 amphibians, and 88 birds). 17 A total of 69 vertebrate species were recorded during this field survey (7 mammals, 3 reptiles, 4 amphibians, and 55 birds). 18 Historical annual rainfall data derived from Bureau of Meterology station 35000 (Alpha Post Office) and station 35164 (Monklands property).
Page 24 of 100 1326 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
o 6 of the 16 survey events (1998 to 2012) have implemented standardised survey site-based methodologies over a minimum four-night/four-day period (and up to six days duration). . All included trapping (Elliott, funnel & pitfall traps) and timed bird surveys, diurnal ground searches, and nocturnal surveys. . All included additional methodologies such as microbat call detection surveys and searches for indirect evidence of fauna occurrence (e.g. scats, tracks & signs); . Five surveys included cage trapping, harp trapping and call-playback surveys. . Two survey events included nocturnal mist netting surveys.
The above is considered a substantive survey effort, and only accounts for part of the information sources included in the data review.
The integration of the data derived from the abovementioned fauna surveys provides the following information for the study site: A total species richness of 297 native fauna species. This total is comprised of 40 mammals, 57 reptiles, 15 frogs, and 185 bird species. A total of seven introduced fauna species, i.e.: House Mouse Mus musculus, Dog Canis familiaris, Feral Cat Felis catus, Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, Pig Sus scrofa, Cattle Bos Taurus, and Cane Toad Rhinella marina. A total of 10 fauna species, listed as threatened under the EPBCA and/or NCA, comprising the following: o Koala Phascolarctos cinereus – Vulnerable EPBCA o Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus – Near Threatened NCA o Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis – Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA o Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus - Near Threatened NCA o Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa - Near Threatened NCA o Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus - Near Threatened NCA o Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura - Near Threatened NCA o Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta - Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA o Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis - Near Threatened NCA o Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta – Endangered EPBCA and Vulnerable NCA
Table 4-1 provides a summary of the species richness results of the key information sources for the study site and surrounding area in Attachments H, I, J, and K. Those attachments provide the detailed fauna lists for each of the seven key data sources (five sources for the study site and two sources for the surrounding area).
Figure 4-2 provides a summary integration of fauna survey results for the study site.
Page 25 of 100 1327 Figure 4-1 Summary of Annual Rainfall Data 1886 to 2011 1328 | COAL WARATAH Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013
Table 4-1 Tabulation of Fauna Survey Records for Study Site and Surrounding Area
BBNR records: CSIRO DERM 2012 Wildlife DERM 1998-1999 Total All Alpha Coal Project EPA 2006 2003-2007; Birds Draft EIS SEIS SEIS Online (records (BBNR, Monklands, surveys EIS (AARC 2008- (Lambton Australia 2003-2011; (Unidel (Austecology (Austecology within 75km of study & Lambton for Study 2010) Meadows) DERM Wildnet data; & 2008-2010) April 2012) 2011-2012) site) Meadows) Site DERM 2011 Mammals 43 36 15 15 24 30 28 29 40 Reptiles 63 26 23 20 35 16 36 45 57 Frogs 15 9 7 2 10 6 8 9 15 Birds 189 95 69 92 145 105 125 167 185 Totals 310 166 114 129 214 157 197 250 297
Page 26 of 100 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Figure 4-2 Summary of Fauna Survey Records for Study Site
Fauna Survey Records
Total Records for Study Site (1998- 2012)
SEIS (Austecology 2011-2012)
SEIS (Austecology April 2012)
Draft EIS (Unidel 2008-2010) Fauna Survey Records
BBNR (CSIRO 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM 2011)
EPA 2006 (Lambton Meadows)
DERM 1998-1999 (BBNR, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows)
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Page 27 of 100 1329 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
5. Black-throated Finch Survey Program
5.1. Background and Purpose
The draft EIS for the Galilee Coal project was submitted to SEWPaC for initial comment in March 2011. SEWPaC, in a letter dated 1 April 201119, provided comment on a variety of issues, and in particular, the requirement to undertake additional surveys targeting the Black- throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta (hereafter BTF or Black-throated Finch (southern)).
SEWPaC’s requirement noted that any target surveys should be undertaken following the survey guidelines outlined, i.e.:
The preferred timing for wet season surveys is the period when ground stored grass seed is at its greatest abundance. This period will vary annually and geographically according to climate and weather patterns. As a rough guide surveys are recommended between November and February in areas south of latitude 23o, such as the mine site and March to May north of 23o, such as the port site. The protocol for water source watching should follow that described for the dry season survey. Targeted searches should involve walk-through surveys within a 600m radius of all water sources, with specific effort devoted to grassland areas, especially those with a woodland/shrubland over-storey. Surveys should include searches for visible signs of black- throated finches and their nests and detection from calls. Justification for the survey timing is required if outside the prescribed survey periods.
To respond to SEWPaC’s requirements, Austecology was commissioned by Waratah Coal to design and implement a program to survey for BTF under both dry and wet season conditions. The Austecology (2011) report was prepared as part of the EIS submission to the Queensland Coordinator-General and SEWPaC during mid-2011, and provided preliminary advice on the initial stages of the on-going site survey and habitat assessment program for the Black-throated Finch (southern).
The following SEIS report section, incorporates the results of the Austecology (2011) report with the findings of the remainder of the target survey program for BTF on the study site.
5.2. Assessment Methodology
5.2.1. Existing Information Review
Existing information regarding the potential presence of BTF on the study site and surrounding area was collated and reviewed for the Austecology (2011) report. Where relevant, these were updated for the current reporting, or added to as further information became available during the subsequent period of assessment. The following provides a summary of the resources reviewed as part of the preparation of this report.
Searches of public-access databases were undertaken to locate previous records of the BTF within the wider area surrounding the study site. Databases included: DERM (2012d) WildNet Wildlife Online database extracts, including a series of extracts centered on the study site, and ultimately providing coverage of an area up to 75 kilometers from the center of the study site (-23.4434 146.3966). In addition, specific reports were
19 SEWPaC letter dated 1 April 2011 to Waratah Coal and entitled Comments on the Draft EIS Establishment of Galilee Coal Mine and Associated Infrastructure, Galilee, Qld.
Page 28 of 100 1330 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
extracted for the following areas: Barcaldine Regional Council LGA, Longreach Regional Council LGA; Blackwood National Park, Cudmore NP, Cudmore Resource Reserve, Epping NP, Forest Den, NP, Mazeppa NP, Narrien Range NP, Moorinya NP, Great Basalt Wall NP; Dalrymple NP; and White Mountains NP. SEWPaC on-line Protected matters search tool20, Birds Australia Atlas bird lists (Birdata), and Eremaea Birds21.
It is understood that the BTF Recovery Team also maintains a database of BTF records, though the details of those records are not available to the public.
Records of the BTF were sought through a review of publicly available assessment reports prepared as part of surveys in the southern sector of the Desert Uplands Bioregion. The review of these reports also provided information on habitat type and condition. These documents included the following: Survey and habitat assessment reports for the study site, i.e.: DERM (1998); DERM (1999); QPWS (2000); EPA (2007); Worley Parsons (2009); Unidel (2011a); DERM 2011a; and Birdlife SQ (2012). Survey and habitat assessment reports for the surrounding area, e.g.: AARC (2004); GHD (2010); AARC (2010); and Unidel (2011b). Bioregional assessment reports, e.g.: Kutt 1999; Morgan et al. (2002); ANRA (2009); and DERM (2012e).
A review of the existing information of the life history, biology and distribution of the BTF included, but was not limited to, the following resources: Zann (1976), Immelmann (1982); Blakers et al. (1984); Storr (1984); Mitchell (1996); NSW NPWS (1999); Schodde & Mason (1999); Garnett & Crowley (2000); Ley & Cook (2001); Beruldsen (2003); Barrett et al. (2003); BTFRP (2004); NSW DECC (2005); TSSSC (2005); Higgins et al. (2006); BTFRP (2007); DEWHA (2009 a & b); DERM (2011b); and SEWPaC (2012a). A comprehensive species profile is provided in Austecology (2011).
Existing information regarding the type and extent of the site and surrounds was drawn from the following sources: DERM’s certified Regional Ecosystem and Remnant Map (DERM 2012a), Regrowth Vegetation Map (DERM 2012b), and Essential Habitat mapping (DERM 2012a); Historical aerial photography and current Google satellite imagery; and Vegetation assessment reports pertaining to the study site (Worley Parsons (2009), Unidel (2011a), and the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report), and surrounding area (AARC (2010)).
5.2.2. Target Survey Program
The field investigation program undertaken for this report was guided by previous BTF survey experience and with reference to the guidelines provided within the background paper for EPBCA Policy Statement 3.13 (DEWHA 2009b). Furthermore, it is considered that the survey approach is consistent with the current, key survey guidelines as provided in DEWHA (2010).
Table 5-1 provides a summary of the timing and survey effort for the target survey program. That information outlines a program which provided survey treatments during two separate wet seasons, produced regular surveys under dry-season conditions, and implemented a comprehensive suite of late-dry season water source surveys.
20 This database is partially predictive, and may not provide verified observations or records. The outputs are based on bioclimatic modeling and so the species returned from the search may not necessarily be present in the search area. 21 Eremaea Birds is an on-line birding atlas and database, built from lists provided by contributing members.
Page 29 of 100 1331 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
The survey program provided seven survey events and a total of 62 survey-person days dedicated to target BTF surveys. The survey team comprised Lindsay Agnew, Ed Meyer, Greg Ford, and John Young.
5.2.2.1. 2011 Wet Season Surveys
The details of this survey program were the subject of the Austecology (2011) report. The following provides a summary of that information.
The survey program was undertaken during May 2011 in two discrete events, i.e. 11 to 15 May (inclusive) and 30 to 31 May (inclusive). This program provided 14 person-days of target surveys for BTF, and included the following: active roaming searches throughout potentially suitable habitats; slow driving transects surveying road-side habitats; passive point surveys at potential drinking points; and systematic searches for BTF nests throughout potentially suitable habitats.
The 2011 late summer period was characterised by rainfall well above average, and there were numerous locations on the study site where surface water provided potential BTF drinking points. Given the extent of surface water on the study site, only a sub-set of these were subjected to field surveys. These areas were selected on the basis of a combination of the following: their location (those separated by more than 500m thus contributing to the widest possible site coverage); their character and condition; and/or their position, within or immediately adjacent to, habitat of potentially higher value for BTF.
Water source surveys were undertaken throughout the day, i.e. from sunrise through to sunset22. Active roaming searches for BTF were undertaken across a wide and representative cross-section of potentially suitable BTF habitat across the study site, though preferential treatment was given to habitats in closer proximity to water sources (e.g. within 1km of such water points)23. Searches were undertaken throughout each survey day, with preferential attention given to early mornings and late afternoon periods. All potentially suitable habitats associated with the surveyed water bodies/points on the study site were subject to systematic searches for BTF nests (see Figure 2-1 in Austecology (2011)). Particular attention was given to searching for, and carefully scanning mature trees for hollows and nesting evidence, throughout the small tree layer (if present), and shrub layer (where present). Where it was feasible to do so, all finch-like nests were carefully examined and nest details recorded. Slow driving transects surveying road-side habitats were undertaken during early mornings and/or late afternoons on each survey day to provide further and wider coverage of potentially suitable habitats across the study site (see Figures 5-1 & 5-2).
The location and habitat description for each of the 42 water point sites is provided in Austecology (2011). The location of each of these sites is also included in Figure 3-1 of this report.
22 Sunrise being approximately 0652hrs and sunset being 1734hrs - Computed using National Mapping Division's sunrise/set program for Alpha (-23°39'00" 146°38'00"), version 2.2, Geoscience Australia. 23 Survey guidelines in the background paper for EPBCA Policy Statement 3.13 notes that targeted walk through surveys should occur within any sections of the subject land that fall within 600m of seasonal and/or permanent water sources (located on or adjacent to a site).
Page 30 of 100 1332 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
5.2.2.2. 2011 Dry Season Surveys
Over 37 person days were spent implementing the dry-season target BTF surveys. Survey events were undertaken during July, August, September and October 2011.
The primary survey approach during the period July to September (inclusive) was roaming transect searches throughout potentially suitable habitats. These surveys were replicated during each survey event through a variety of areas (see Figure 5-2). This work was augmented by searches throughout other parts of woodland habitat to provide additional coverage (see Figure 5-2).
The October 2011 survey program was wholly dedicated to census of key water sources on the study site (see Figure 5-3). This program was implemented over a six-day period and provided 19 field-person days of target surveys for BTF.
The October 2011 survey protocol required each investigator to establish themselves at a predetermined observation position within 30 minutes of sunrise, and record all granivore species attending the water body until approximately 30 minutes of sunset24. Observation positions had been previously selected to provide complete coverage of the water’s edge of each water source. Species and number of birds were recorded in 15-minute time blocks. Two of us (LA and EM) also recorded air temperature at the start of each time block. All observers recorded other weather observations throughout the day (e.g. wind and cloud cover). All of the aforementioned data was recorded on pre-prepared proforma record sheets.
The October 2011 program provided water source surveys at 14 water bodies spread across the potentially suitable habitat on the study site. Of these, six water bodies were each surveyed for two consecutive survey-person days, with the remainder for one survey person day. The survey program was designed to provide “nearest neighbour” survey coverage on each water body within the spatially relevant context on each survey day. None of the water bodies were surveyed by the same observer for more than one day. Figure 5-3 identifies the location of each water body surveyed, and the temporal relationship of the water bodies surveyed on any given day.
5.2.2.3. 2012 Wet Season Surveys
The 2012 wet-season survey was conducted during mid- March 2012 and provided 11 survey- person days of target surveys for BTF.
Active roaming searches for BTF were undertaken throughout a wide and representative cross- section of potentially suitable BTF habitat on the study site, though preferential treatment was given to habitats in closer proximity to water sources25. All potentially suitable habitats associated with the surveyed water bodies/points on the study site were subject to systematic searches for BTF nests. Where it was feasible to do so, all finch-like nests were carefully examined and nest details recorded. Slow driving transects surveying road-side habitats were undertaken during early mornings and/or late afternoons on each survey day to provide further and wider coverage of potentially suitable habitats across the study site (see Figure 5-1). The 2012 survey coverage included all of the potentially suitable habitat surveyed during the 2011 wet-season program.
24 Sunrise being approximately 0545hrs and sunset being 1820hrs - Computed using National Mapping Division's sunrise/set program for Alpha (-23°39'00" 146°38'00"), version 2.2, Geoscience Australia. 25 i.e. within a search area of approximately one kilometer of water sources within remnant woodland habitat.
Page 31 of 100 1333 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Table 5-1 Summary of the Target Black-throated Finch (southern) Survey Program
Survey Water Survey Survey Dates Seasonal Nest Foot Driving Person Source Event (inclusive) Conditions Searches Transects Transects Days Monitoring
1 11 - 15 May 2011 Late Wet 10 Primary Primary Secondary Minor
2 30 - 31 May 2011 Late Wet 4 Primary Primary Secondary Minor
3 20 - 22 July 2011 Early Dry 6 Secondary Primary Secondary Minor
4 17 - 19 August 2011 Dry 6 Secondary Primary Secondary Minor
5 13 - 16 September 2011 Dry 6 Minor Primary Primary Secondary
6 14 - 20 October 2011 Late Dry 19 Minor Minor Minor Primary
7 14 - 19 March 2012 Wet 11 Primary Primary Secondary Minor
Total survey person days 62
Dry-season survey person days 37
Wet-season survey person days 33
5.2.3. Habitat Assessments and Predictive Modelling of Breeding Habitat
Fieldwork was undertaken to ground-truth previous vegetation mapping and assess habitat values for BTF (Austecology 2011 and the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report). That work included an assessment of structural complexity of vegetation (tree density, canopy cover, vertical structural complexity), ground cover characteristics (diversity of grasses, density of grasses and height of grass cover); the presence of habitat trees (hollow-bearing trees); and sources of disturbance (adjacent land-use, feral animal evidence, and weed infestation).
An assessment of the condition of all water bodies on the study site was also undertaken (see Austecology 2011). That field work also served to verify the location and condition of the important inputs to preliminary habitat modeling, e.g. extent of preferred regional ecosystems and water sources. From the data available, predictive breeding habitat modelling was completed for the study site and was based on the approach applied in previous studies in the greater Townsville part of the BTF range (see Austecology 2011). The modeling provides a means to forecast the likelihood of BTF populations occurring on a site by portioning the site into areas of high and low probability nesting habitat.
Determining the location and extent of high and low probability habitat areas was based on the proximity of preferred nesting and foraging habitat (“preferred habitat”) to permanent water resources26. Higher probability BTF nesting habitat occurs where preferred habitat is present within 400m of a permanent water resource. Higher probability habitat may be regarded as crucial as it is at these sites that critical life-history stages, namely breeding and recruitment, occur (e.g. Mitchell 1996; NRA 2006). Lower probability BTF nesting habitat occurs where preferred habitat is present between 400m to 1000m of a permanent water resource. These areas may form supporting habitat and thus be included within the BTF range. Areas where
26 Preferred habitat includes those regional ecosystems (“preferred regional ecosystems”) as described in the Table 1 of BTFRP (2007) and complimented by those in which the BTF has been recorded in the Desert Uplands Bioregion (e.g. Morgan et al. 2002).
Page 32 of 100 1334 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
preferred habitat was absent within one kilometre of a permanent water source were regarded as improbable BTF nesting habitat. Austecology (2011) describes the base data and key assumptions underpinning the modeling. The model output is included in Attachment L of this report.
5.2.4. Survey Program Findings
Surveys targeting Black-throated Finch (southern) (BTF) were carried out during two consecutive wet seasons (2011 and 2012) and also throughout the 2011 dry season. In all, 62 person days were spent surveying the study site and surrounds for BTF27. Field coverage of the study site during surveys was considered extensive. A total of 167 native bird species were recorded during this program (see Appendix J).
During targeted surveys, a variety of granivorous bird species were recorded from the study site and surrounds including three grassfinch species: the Plum-headed Finch (Neochmiamodesta), Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata), and Double-barred Finch (T. bichenovii). The BTF was not recorded during surveys.
Of the three finch species recorded, the Double-barred Finch was the most regularly encountered. Double-barred Finches were recorded across much of the Study Site, mostly from remnant and regrowth woodland. Zebra Finches were also recorded from a large number of sites, but at lower abundance than Doubled-barred finch and mostly from regrowth or cleared woodland. Though locally abundant in some areas (with flocks of up to 300 birds), Plum- headed Finches were not as widespread as the Double-barred Finch and Zebra Finch. The extent of occurrence and abundance of Plum-headed Finches was greatest during the 2011 wet season, with numbers declining during the subsequent (2011) dry season. Plum-headed Finches were again commonly recorded (with larger flocks noted) during the 2012 wet-season surveys, though as a general observation, did not appear to be as abundant overall as seen during the 2011 wet-season surveys. Mixed finch flocks were commonly recorded during surveys28.
As described previously, searches for finch nests were conducted within potentially suitable habitat surrounding stock dams, natural wetlands and water troughs. Finch nests were also recorded opportunistically throughout the survey program. A total of 188 grassfinch nests were located during the survey program including: 125 nests attributable to the Double-barred Finch; 22 nests attributable to the Zebra Finch; 16 nests which, whilst in a largely intact state, could not be confidently attributed to a particular finch species; and. vestigial remains of 25 nests which could not be attributed to a particular finch species though were regarded as grassfinch nests.
The majority (85%) of nests recorded during surveys were located at sites between 1.5 and 3m above ground, predominantly in shrubs (e.g. Carissa and Bursaria spp).
A flock of 15 BTF was reported by Maureen Cooper for an area within the north-western sector of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge (BBNR) (19 May 2011; -23.4119 146.359)29. During the second round of 2011 wet-season BTF surveys, specifically dedicated to surveying BBNR, we
27 Noting that a further 16 survey-person days were implemented during April 2012 SEIS fauna survey program (as previously described in this report) during which bird surveys were conducted. 28 More often, Zebra and Double-barred Finches; though also Plum-headed and Double-barred Finches; and less often, all three species. 29 Birds Australia record form# 5086495 provided by Andrew Silcocks, Atlas Project Coordinator on 29 November 2011.
Page 33 of 100 1335 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
were advised of the location of this record (pers comm. Ian Hoch, Glen Innes landowner, 30 May 2011). This area had been searched earlier on the 30th and the same area and wider surrounds were resurveyed during the remainder of that survey event, 12 days after BTF were recorded on BBNR by Maureen Cooper (record location shown on Figure 6-1).
Habitat surrounding the record site was also surveyed during each of the subsequent survey events through until mid-April 2012 (record location shown on Figures 5-1 to 5-3). On each occasion, Double-barred Finch, Plum-headed Finch and Zebra Finch were recorded from this area, with the Double-barred Finch the most abundant of these three species. During searches of the record site and surrounds, small numbers of Double-barred Finch and Zebra Finch nests were located. However, despite careful searching and repeated surveys of this area, no BTF or grassfinch nests attributable to BTF were detected during the survey program.
Given the targeted survey effort and the extensive and repeated survey coverage dedicated to detecting BTF, it is concluded that the flock of birds recorded by Maureen Cooper in May 2011, do not appear to be part of a resident or breeding population. That the null result of targeted surveys by others during the SEIS survey period (DERM 2011, Birds SQ 2012) lends support to these conclusions. It is also worth noting that survey activities undertaken since 1998 have not detected BTF within either the BBNR or other remnant woodland habitats on the study site (DERM 1998, DERM 1999, EPA 2007, CSIRO 2003 to 2007; Birds Australia 2003 to 2011; Worley Parsons 2009, and Unidel 2011a (surveys 2008-2010)).
Page 34 of 100 1336 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 460000
Watercourse
7420000 Black-throated Finch (southern) 7420000 (Birdlife Australia 2012)
k Wet season target nest search areas e e Spring Creek r Monklands associated with selected water bodies, C n wetlands and watercourses o o g (Austecology 2011-2012) a L Kia Ora 7415000 7415000 Monklands
Cavendish 7410000 7410000
Cavendish
Glen Innes (BBNR) Monklands 7405000 7405000
Lambton Meadows
Saltbush
T Monklands 7400000 Lambton Meadows 7400000 a
l l a
r
e
n
i a
C
r e
e
k
Lambton Meadows 7395000 7395000 Corntop Corntop Eureka Oakleigh
415000 420000 Toarbee425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 460000
GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Remnant Vegetation: Vegetation Management Act Source: Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 Regional Ecosystems Vers 6.1 FIGURE 5-1: Black-throated Finch (southern): Birdlife Australia 2012 Watercourses: Vegetation Management Act Queensland Wet season target nest search: Austecology 2011-2012 Regrowth Other Watercourses Version 2.1 2012 EPC1040 & Part of Probable Clearing Footprint
This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in EPC1079 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Subsidence Footprint WET SEASON TARGET Disclaimer: liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including Cadastral Boundary consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Metres used in breach of privacy laws. Remnant Vegetation A3 Scale 1:120,000 NEST SEARCH AREAS Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0020-FIG5-1a-WET-SEASON-NEST-SEARCH-120719 Date: 19/07/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator
1337 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 460000
Black-throated Finch (southern) (Birdlife Australia 2012) Watercourse 7420000 7420000 Slow speed driving transects (driver plus observer)
Target Search Areas surveyed k e during each monitoring event e r Monklands C Habitat surveyed during survey program n o o Spring Creek g a L Kia Ora 7415000 7415000 Monklands
Cavendish 7410000 7410000
Cavendish Glen Innes (BBNR) Monklands 7405000 7405000
Lambton Meadows
Saltbush
T
7400000 Lambton Meadows Monklands 7400000 a
l l a
r
e
n
i a
C
r e
e
k
Lambton Meadows 7395000 Corntop 7395000 Corntop Eureka Oakleigh
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 460000
Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Remnant Vegetation: DERM Regional Ecosystems v6.1 GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 2012 FIGURE 5-2: Source: Black-throated Finch (southern): Birdlife Australia 2012 Watercourses: Vegetation Management Act TargetSearch Areas, Slow Driver Transects: Queensland Regrowth Other Watercourses Version 2.1 EPC1040 & Part of Austecology 2011-2012 2012 Probable Clearing Footprint This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in EPC1079 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Subsidence Footprint TARGET SEARCH Disclaimer: liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Metres Cadastral Boundary used in breach of privacy laws. A3 Scale 1:120,000 Remnant Vegetation AREAS & TRANSECTS Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0021-FIG5-2a-TARGET-SEARCH-TRANSECT-120727 Date: 27/07/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator
1338 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
7420000 Watercourse 7420000 Black-throated Finch (southern) (Birdlife Australia 2012) Water body census site k e e Spring Creek r Monklands 14 October 2011 C n o o 15 October 2011 g a L 16 October 2011 Kia Ora 17 October 2011 18 October 2011 7415000 7415000 19 October 2011 Monklands 20 October 2011
012 er 2 tob Cavendish Oc #47 20 #46 #42 7410000 7410000
2 1 0 2 #41 Cavendish #38 r e b to c O 6 1 17 Glen Innes (BBNR) O Monklands ct ob er 20 12
#1 #40 7405000 7405000
Lambton Meadows
#2
12 20 er ob ct Saltbush 4 O 1 T 7400000 7400000 Lambton Meadows a Monklands
l l #3 a r er 2012 e b n 15 Octo i a
#45 C r e e #14 k #11 19 October 2012 #13 18 October 2012 Lambton Meadows #7
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000 7395000
Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Remnant Vegetation: Vegetation Management Act GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 Regional Ecosystems Vers 6.1 2012 Source: Black-throated Finch (southern): Birdlife Australia 2012 Watercourses: Vegetation Management Act FIGURE 5-3: Dry Season water body census sites: Austecology Queensland Regrowth Other Watercourses Version 2.1 EPC1040 & Part of Probable Clearing Footprint 2011-2012 This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in EPC1079 0 1,700 3,400 5,100 6,800 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Subsidence Footprint DRY SEASON WATER- liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including Disclaimer: Metre s Cadastral Boundary consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Remnant Vegetation used in breach of privacy laws. A3 Scale 1:100,000 BODY CENSUS SITES Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0022-FIG5-3a-DRY-SEASON-CENSUS-SITES-120725 Date: 25/07/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator
1339 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
6. Threatened Species
The overall SEIS fauna survey program has provided records of seven threatened fauna species on the study site. The review of existing information has highlighted the records of a further three threatened fauna species.
The following provides discussion of all of these species. Figure 6-1 identifies the location of the threatened species recorded on the study site.
6.1. EPBCA MNES
6.1.1. Koala Phascolarctos cinereus
The Koala Phascolarctos cinereus is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBCA.
A young male koala was recorded during the May 2011 surveys within a large patch of remnant vegetation within the south-eastern part of the study site. At this location, the Koala was located in a young river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis, where river red gum formed relatively dense regrowth in an area surrounding a seasonal wetland. The record site is located within a remnant of RE 10.5.5a/10.5.12/10.3.27a/11.5.5 (DERM 2012a).
DERM (1998) recorded a Koala on the Monklands property within a site described as a connected strip of Eucalyptus populnea woodland. AARC (2010) identify that Koala was recorded on the Alpha Coal project area (to the north of the study site) though no further details are provided.
The findings of the work undertaken by Ellis et al. (1995 and 2002) at sites to the north-east (app. 130kms; near Clermont) and south-east (app. 180kms; near Springsure) provide some data which may be applicable to the assessment of Koala habitat on the study site. In the Clermont study, mean home-ranges size for radio-tracked Koalas was 116ha30, and that the highest proportion of their diet comprised Eucalyptus populnea foliage. Tree species representation in the diet composition of Koalas at that study site were, in order of decreasing proportion of the diet, Eucalyptus populnea, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, E. cambageana, E. melanophloia, and Corymbia dallachiana (Ellis et al. 2002). Tree species utilized by Koalas at the Springsure site were (though not ranked in terms of dietary composition): E. orgadophylla, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, and E. melanophloia (Ellis et al. 1995).
Of those, the following tree species occur on the study site: Eucalyptus populnea, E. crebra, E. cambageana, E. melanophloia, and Corymbia dallachiana31.
30 Mean Koala male home-range of 135.6ha + 76.6ha and for females, 101.4ha + 67.1ha, and not significantly different (Ellis et al. 2002). 31 Other Eucalyptus and Corymbia species recorded on the study site are: Eucalyptus ammophila, E. camaldulensis, Corymbia similis, C. setosa, C. plena, C. clarksoniana, C. erythrophloia, C. tessellaris, C. brachycarpa, and C. leichhardtii (pers comm. Rob Friend, 2012).
Page 38 of 100 1340 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
6.1.2. Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis 6. Threatened Species The Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis is listed as Vulnerable under both the EPBCA and The overall SEIS fauna survey program has provided records of seven threatened fauna NCA. species on the study site. The review of existing information has highlighted the records of a further three threatened fauna species. There are no DERM (2012d) records within 75km of the study site and there were no survey records of Brigalow Scaly-foot on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site The following provides discussion of all of these species. Figure 6-1 identifies the location of (AARC 2010). the threatened species recorded on the study site. One Brigalow Scaly-foot was recorded during the April 2012 target threatened reptile surveys in the north-western (Spring Creek) sector of the study site (see Figure 6-1). It was found under 6.1. EPBCA MNES several thick sheets of eucalyptus bark (an ironbark possibly Eucalyptus drepanophylla) within low woodland dominated by Acacia shirleyi. This area and surrounds supported a mid-dense 6.1.1. Koala Phascolarctos cinereus ground layer and fallen timber was relatively common. Ground rocks were present and there were several larger sandstone outcroppings nearby. The site was located within the mid-slope The Koala Phascolarctos cinereus is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBCA. section of a low rise. Habitat conditions associated with the record site were observed throughout wider surrounding area within this part of the study site. The record site is located A young male koala was recorded during the May 2011 surveys within a large patch of remnant within the mapped remnant of RE 10.7.5/10.3.3a/10.3.3b/10.3.27a (DERM 2012a). vegetation within the south-eastern part of the study site. At this location, the Koala was located in a young river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis, where river red gum formed 6.1.3. Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta relatively dense regrowth in an area surrounding a seasonal wetland. The record site is located within a remnant of RE 10.5.5a/10.5.12/10.3.27a/11.5.5 (DERM 2012a). The Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta is listed as Vulnerable under both the EPBCA and NCA. The Squatter Pigeon (southern) is one of a suite of taxa listed in the Action DERM (1998) recorded a Koala on the Monklands property within a site described as a Plan for Australian Birds 2000 and omitted from the recently released action plan (Garnett et al connected strip of Eucalyptus populnea woodland. AARC (2010) identify that Koala was 2010)32. recorded on the Alpha Coal project area (to the north of the study site) though no further details are provided. No Squatter Pigeons were recorded during the SEIS 2011-2012 survey program on the study site. The findings of the work undertaken by Ellis et al. (1995 and 2002) at sites to the north-east (app. 130kms; near Clermont) and south-east (app. 180kms; near Springsure) provide some AARC (2010) recorded the Squatter Pigeon (southern) on the Alpha Coal project area, noting data which may be applicable to the assessment of Koala habitat on the study site. In the that birds were located within the non-remnant grassland vegetation community and that 30 Clermont study, mean home-ranges size for radio-tracked Koalas was 116ha , and that the “Extensive areas of habitat suitable for the southern Squatter Pigeon exist on the Project site highest proportion of their diet comprised Eucalyptus populnea foliage. Tree species and within the local region”. No additional information on abundance or record locations is representation in the diet composition of Koalas at that study site were, in order of decreasing provided in the report. proportion of the diet, Eucalyptus populnea, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, E. cambageana, E. melanophloia, and Corymbia dallachiana (Ellis et al. 2002). Tree species utilized by Koalas at DERM (2011b) noted the following “The landholders have recorded an instance of squatter the Springsure site were (though not ranked in terms of dietary composition): E. orgadophylla, pigeon Geophaps scripta nesting on the property. Records at this latitude are referrable to the E. crebra, E. terreticornis, and E. melanophloia (Ellis et al. 1995). Vulnerable nominate subspecies G. s. scripta”. Table 2 of the DERM (2011b) report, titled “Fauna detected on Bimblebox Nature Refuge” attributes the record source as DERM Wildnet Of those, the following tree species occur on the study site: Eucalyptus populnea, E. crebra, E. data. No other information is provided in the report. cambageana, E. melanophloia, and Corymbia dallachiana31. Field coverage of the study site during the SEIS surveys was considered extensive and all members of the study team were experienced in surveys for this species. A variety of pigeons and doves were recorded and the Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera was regarded as common. It is unclear what differences there may be between habitats of the study site and the Alpha Coal project area in attempting to reconcile the contrasting survey results.
Given the survey effort and the extensive and repeated survey coverage that has been implemented, it is concluded that the study site did not support a resident population during the 2011-2012 SEIS survey period. Apart from the anecdotal evidence of breeding birds on BBNR, 30 Mean Koala male home-range of 135.6ha + 76.6ha and for females, 101.4ha + 67.1ha, and not significantly none of the surveys preceding or during the SEIS survey period have resulted in the detection different (Ellis et al. 2002). 31 Other Eucalyptus and Corymbia species recorded on the study site are: Eucalyptus ammophila, E. camaldulensis, 32 Corymbia similis, C. setosa, C. plena, C. clarksoniana, C. erythrophloia, C. tessellaris, C. brachycarpa, and C. “Reason not listed in 2010: Revised criteria for Near Threatened: no recent declines and persists at numerous leichhardtii (pers comm. Rob Friend, 2012). sites across a broad distribution” (Garnett et al 2010).
Page 38 of 100 Page 39 of 100 1341 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
of Squatter Pigeons (DERM 1998, DERM 1999, EPA 2007, CSIRO 2003 to 2007; Birds Australia 2003 to 2011; DERM 2011, Worley Parsons 2009, Unidel 2011a (surveys 2008-2010), and Birds SQ 2012).
6.1.4. Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta
The Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta is listed as Endangered under the EPBCA, and as Vulnerable under the NCA. Recent assessments by Garnett et al (2010) indicate that the Black-throated Finch (southern) meets the current IUCN Red List criteria as Vulnerable.
No Black-throated Finch (southern) were detected during the extensive 2011-2012 SEIS target survey program for this subspecies.
6.2. NCA Threatened Species
6.2.1. Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus
The Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA.
There are no DERM (2012d) records within 75km of the study site. The Little Pied Bat was detected within the silver-leaved ironbark woodland on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site (AARC 2010). No additional information on abundance or record locations is provided in the report.
No Little Pied Bats were recorded during the April 2012 SEIS survey program on the study site. Unidel (2011a) recorded Little Pied Bat at two locations on the study site (see Figure 6-1). One record was drawn from a narrow band of vegetation along Lagoon Creek (north-eastern part of the study site), whilst the other site was located within woodland within the northern part of BBNR33. Morgan et al. (2002) considered that records reviewed for the Desert Uplands indicated riparian and escarpment habitats may be important for the Little Pied Bat in the bioregion.
6.2.2. Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
The Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA. The Cotton Pygmy Goose is one of a suite of taxa listed in the Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000 and omitted from the recently released action plan (Garnett et al 2010)34.
There are no DERM (2012d) records within 75km of the study site. AARC (2010) did not record this species on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site.
A Cotton Pygmy Goose was recorded during the April 2012 SEIS surveys on a dam on the Kia Ora property, northern sector of the study site (see Figure 6-1). A wide variety of water bodies had been surveyed, many of these frequently, during the 2011-2012 SEIS survey program. None of these water bodies appear to support the habitat conditions and resources (see Marchant & Higgins 1990) which are typically required by Cotton Pygmy Goose in order to sustain a resident population. Morgan et al. (2002) considered this species to be more likely to
33 Mapped remnant RE10.3.27a/10.3.12a/10.3.3b and RE 10.5.5a/10.5.12 (after DERM 2012a). 34 “Reason not listed in 2010: Revised criteria for Near Threatened: small population but historical decline has stopped well before the 3-generation limit (21 years) and now appears stable” (Garnett et al 2010).
Page 40 of 100 1342 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
occur within the preferred deep wetlands and water-bodies of the north-eastern parts of the bioregion (associated with the Belyando and Burdekin Rivers).
6.2.3. Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa
The Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA.
There are no DERM (2012d) records within 75km of the study site. AARC (2010) did not record this species on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site.
A single bird was recorded during the March 2012 SEIS surveys on a large dam within the north-western (Spring Creek) sector of the study site (see Figure 61-1). Freckled Ducks are known to be dispersive and occurrence beyond principal breeding areas can be irruptive (e.g. Marchant & Higgins 1990). Previous searches of the record site, and those in April 2012 did not detect this species at the record site, or other water bodies on the study site. Morgan et al. (2002) noted that within the Alice Tableland subregion, Freckled Duck occurs sporadically in wetlands, riparian areas and artificial water-bodies and population numbers fluctuate with climatic conditions.
6.2.4. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
The Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA.
There is one DERM (2012d) record for the area within 75km of the study site. AARC (2010) did not record this species on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site.
The Black-necked Stork has been recorded at five separate water bodies during 2011-2012 SEIS survey program (see Figure 6-1). An additional, separate record was also derived from one of these water bodies within the north-west sector of the BBNR (DERM 2011).
The spread of records indicates that there are a variety of artificial water bodies and natural wetlands (e.g. those within the remnant vegetation in the south-east) which this species utilises on the study site. It is probable that this suite of water bodies forms part of the resources (including those off-site) which may be sufficient to support the local presence of birds throughout the year. Morgan et al. (2002) considered that within the Desert Uplands, Black- necked Stork is species of possibly little conservation concern, but any further degradation of major lake systems (i.e. Buchanan and Galilee) would impact on the species locally.
6.2.5. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura
The Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA.
There is one DERM (2012d) record for the area within 75km of the study site. AARC (2010) did not record this species on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site.
A Square-tailed Kite was recorded during the March 2012 surveys foraging through a woodland remnant within the south-east sector of the study site (see Figure 6-1). During the same survey period, a further two sightings were made on different days, of a Square-tailed Kite (possibly the same individual) associated with remnant vegetation alongside the Capricorn Highway (approximately 15km south of the record location on the study site). Morgan et al. (2002) regarded the Square-tailed Kite as a naturally rare species, and uncommon in the Desert Uplands.
Page 41 of 100 1343 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
6.2.6. Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis
The Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA.
There is one DERM (2012d) record for the area within 75km of the study site. AARC (2010) did not record this species on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site.
There are six recorded locations for Black-chinned Honeyeater on the study site (see Figure 6- 1). Three of these records are of birds located in a large remnant vegetation patch with the south-eastern sector of the study site, and these records were derived from SEIS surveys in March 2012. The other three record sites (from 2003 and 2009) are located within the eastern and southern parts of the BBNR (MCG 2011).
6.3. Species not recorded on the Study Site
The Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa is listed as Vulnerable under both the EPBCA and NCA, and the skink Ctenotus capricorni is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA. There is one DERM (2012d) record for each species within the area within 75km of the study site. The Ornamental Snake Denisonia maculata is listed as Vulnerable under both the EPBCA and NCA, and the Common Death Adder Acanthophis antarciticus is listed as Near Threatened under the NCA. There are no DERM (2012d) records for either reptile for the area within 75km of the study site. The Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus is listed as Endangered under the EPBCA. There is one DERM (2012d) record for the area within 75km of the study site. AARC (2010) did not record any of these species on the Alpha Coal project area to the near north of the study site.
In regard to threatened reptiles, target surveys were implemented throughout remnant vegetation habitats across the study site, and included diurnal hand searches, visual searches, nocturnal headlamp and spotlight searches, and slow driving transects. Pitfall and funnel trapping was implemented at six locations within remnant vegetation as part of a parallel component of surveys undertaken in April 2012. Whilst potentially suitable habitat occurs on the study site, none of these species were detected35. None of the preceding fauna surveys, undertaken in potentially suitable habitat and including potentially suitable survey methodologies, detected these reptiles (e.g. DERM 1998, DERM 1999, EPA 2007, Worley Parsons 2009, and Unidel 2011a (surveys 2008-2010)).
In regard the Ornamental Snake, there are very small (and isolated) areas of heavier cracking clay soils which support Brigalow, though with poor gilgai development. These and adjacent habitats have been searched under suitable conditions when this species was thought to be active36. It is considered unlikely that Ornamental Snakes could be sustained on the study site given the very small and isolated inholdings of “potentially suitable habitat” for this reptile. In regard to Yakka Skink, the only known record within the surrounding area is from a location described as “3km west of Bogantungan“(SEWPaC 2012c), being approximately 75km east of the study site. Field surveys and habitat assessments indicate that potentially suitable habitat for this cryptic species occurs patchily throughout much of the remnant vegetation cover of the study site. Potentially higher habitat suitability values are associated with parts of the BBNR (land zone 5 primarily, the remnant habitat patch on the Saltbush property in the south-east sector (land zone 5), and parts of the remnant vegetation associated with the rugged
35 Though one of the original suite of target reptile species, the Brigalow Scaly-foot, was detected and that record is discussed in a preceding section of the report. 36 The author detected active Denisonia maculata at a site to the north-east of the study site within days of the April target surveys on the study site.
Page 42 of 100 1344 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
landscapes of the Spring Creek area (land zones 7 and 10)37, within the north-west corner of the study site.
The skink Ctenotus capricorni is known from sandy areas with spinifex in association with shrub and woodland (Wilson 2009) and is thought to be restricted to sandy open woodlands habitats in the southern Desert Uplands on the Alice Tableland (Morgan et al. 2002)38. Field assessments indicate that habitat which support similarities to the preferred habitat characteristics, are limited to two areas of relatively young regrowth (both cleared within the past 10 years). These are located in the north-western corner of the BBNR (about 200ha) and a habitat patch (about 300ha) located approximately 3km to the north-west (Cavendish and Spring Creek properties). There are also other small areas of potentially suitable habitat within the north-west corner of the study site (Spring Creek). Within the north-western corner of the study site, rugged sandstone landscapes (land zones 7 and 10) support habitat of comparatively higher potential suitability for the Common Death Adder. The western part of this habitat area has been subjected to a very hot fire event (presumably late 2011). The eastern areas, whilst not affected by the most recent fires, exhibit widespread evidence of hot fire events which may be detrimental to the Common Death Adder (and other threatened reptiles). Inappropriate fire regimes are regarded as a key factor impacting on reptile species targeted as part of the SEIS surveys, and threatened reptiles generally (e.g. QPWS 2001; Richardson 2006; BBRW 2010; and SEWPaC 2012b).
As noted previously, there is a single DERM (2012d) record for Northern Quoll, and this is derived from the Narrien Range National Park (DERM 2011c). Narrien Range National Park covers 7460ha and is located 70 km west of Clermont, and approximately 60km north-east of the study site. There are no records for Cudmore National Park (or Cudmore Resources Reserve) which is located approximately 35km to the north of the study site (DERM 2012d). During the April 2012 survey program, extensive ground searches were undertaken within the rugged sandstone landscape of Spring Creek, an area considered to be of potential habitat suitability for Northern Quoll. That work included daytime searches for potential den sites and signs of activity, scats and latrines. Whilst no confirmatory evidence was located, this area is regarded as potentially suitable, though viability is likely to be diminished due to the evidence of fire history, the widespread presence of Cane Toads, and potentially, broad-scale poisoning within the surrounding area (intended to control wild dogs and dingoes). A variety of ecological studies have suggested that Northern Quolls may be vulnerable to the frequent fires, and poisoning due to ingestion of toads and baits, and that these three factors are potentially involved in the historic decline of the species in northern Australia (e.g. Burnett 1997; Woinarski et al. 2008; Hill & Ward 2010; SEWPaC 2012c).
37 From Sattler & Williams (1999): plains and plateaus on Tertiary land surfaces, generally with medium to coarse textured soils (land zone 5); exposed or shallowly covered duricrusts usually forming mesas or scarps (land zone 7); and plateaus, scarps and ledges with shallow soils on more or less horizontally bedded medium- to coarse-grained sedimentary rocks (land zone 10). 38 There is one record of Ctenotus capricorni for Cudmore National Park, approximately 35km to the north of the study site (DERM 2012d).
Page 43 of 100 1345 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
This page is intentionally left blank.
1346 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
Threatened Fauna Records
Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Austecology (SEIS)
7420000 7420000 Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Mackay Conservation Council (EIS submission) Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Austecology (SEIS) Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta Spring Creek Monklands Birdlife Australia Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis Austecology (SEIS) Kia Ora Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus Austecology (SEIS) Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa 7415000 Austecology (SEIS) 7415000 Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Monklands Austecology (SEIS) Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus Unidel (EIS) Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Austecology (SEIS) Cavendish 7410000 7410000
Cavendish
Glen Innes (BBNR) Monklands 7405000 7405000
Lambton Meadows
Saltbush
7400000 Lambton Meadows Monklands 7400000
Lambton Meadows 7395000 7395000 Corntop Corntop Eureka Oakleigh
Toarbee 415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Australia record (2011), Mackay Conservation Council GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Roads & Waterways: Geoscience Australia 2010 records (EIS submission 2011) Source: Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 Remnant Vegetation: Vegetation Management Act FIGURE 6-1: Fauna Records: Austecology survey program (2011- Regional Ecosystems Vers 6.1 EPC1040 & Part of 2012), Unidel survey program (2009-2010), Birdlife Probable Clearing Footprint This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 EPC1079 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Subsidence Footprint THREATENED FAUNA Disclaimer: liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Metres Cadastral Boundary used in breach of privacy laws. A3 Scale 1:120,000 Remnant Vegetation RECORDS Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0018-FIG6-1a-FAUNA-RECORDS-120719 Date: 19/07/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator
1347 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
7. Impact Assessment, Mitigation and Offset Strategy
The primary purpose of this section is to provide a supplementary assessment for the key potential direct impacts to fauna. Assessment of a variety of other potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures have been identified and described within the EIS. Many of these, whilst important issues, are not addressed in detail within this SEIS report, as they have been addressed, and can be adequately managed through application of best management practices to be detailed within subsequent management plans as required by any future approval conditions.
7.1. Assessment of Impacts
This section sets out the impact mechanisms predicted to affect fauna and fauna habitat values within the study site. For the purposes of this assessment, impacts on fauna and fauna habitat values are considered in terms of direct and indirect effects, both short-term and long-term. For example, direct impacts include the loss of habitat as a result of land clearing and development, while indirect impacts are secondary effects such as disturbances to fauna associated with construction and/or operational activities.
Figure 7-1 describes the location and extent of the project disturbance footprint. It includes areas that will be cleared as part of open-cut mining operations and for supporting infrastructure, and areas that will potentially be impacted by subsidence associated with underground mining operations.
A suite of potential direct and indirect impacts have been identified within the project development footprint, and include: Direct loss of habitat and resources as a result of vegetation clearing; Habitat fragmentation as a result of vegetation clearing which results in direct loss of fauna movement opportunities, though also indirect degradation of retained habitats; Habitat degradation associated with land subsidence following underground mining; Direct mortality impacts to terrestrial fauna; Alteration of fauna behaviour and habitat use resulting from disturbances associated with construction and operational activities (e.g. impacts associated with light, dust, noise and vibration); Introduction of exotic weed and pest species to retained habitats; and Alteration to fire regimes to retained habitats.
Page 45 of 100 1348 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
LOT 649 C L P OT 649 L SP232649 8 O SP23 6 2649 T 0
0 3
8
3
Proposed Railway Line
LOT 11 BF25 LOT 1 BF72
LOT 9 7415000 C L 7415000 BF28 P O 8 T 6 LOT 2 0 3 Mine Sediment 0 SP136836 8 Dam 1 Return Water Dam 3
ROM Stockpile Environmental Control Dam LOT 10 RP894235 LOT 4 Product BF50 Stockpile Raw Water Dam 7410000 7410000
Mine Site - Alpha Access Road LOT 10 RP894235 LOT 4 BF22 LOT Proposed Construction Camp 626 (1500 x 2000m) MX M 806585
L
X O LOT 3
8
T 0 BF802451 6 6 LOT 6
5 2
8 6 BF16
5 7405000 7405000
Mine Site - LOT 8 Jericho Access Road BF16
LOT 626 MX806585
LOT 7 LOT 1 BF16 LOT 626 BF17 MX806585 7400000 7400000
425000 430000 435000 440000 445000 450000 455000
GALILEE COAL PROJECT (Northern Export Facility) Cadastral Boundaries: DERM 2012 Source: Roads & Waterways: Geoscience Australia 2010 EPC1040 & Part of Flood Levee FIGURE 7-1: Mine Detail: Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. 2012 EPC1079 Remnant Vegetation: Vegetation Management Act Regional Ecosystems Vers 6.1 2012 Probable Open Cut Mining Area Clearing Footprint This plan is based on or contains data provided by others. Waratah Coal Pty. Ltd. gives no warranty in 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completness, currency or suiability) and accepts no Mine Subsidence MINE DISTURBANCE liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including Mine Infrastructure Disclaimer: Metres consequential damage) relating to and use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be Footprint used in breach of privacy laws. Creek Diversions A3 Scale 1:85,000 Remnant Vegetation FOOTPRINT Dry Paste Tailings Storage Mineralogy House, Level 7, 380 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia File: File: WAR20-26-SEIS0025b-FIG7-1a-MINE-DISTURBANCE-FOOTPRINT-121114 Date: 14/11/2012 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator
1349 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
7.1.1. Habitat Loss
The construction phase will necessitate vegetation clearing and land disturbance for the establishment of infrastructure including roads, construction camps, workshops, creek diversions, sediment basins, etc. Vegetation clearing and land disturbance will also occur progressively during the operational phase, including the development open cut pits, spoil dumps etc. The proposed clearing footprint for both the construction and operational phases requires a total area of land disturbance of 16,520ha (see Figure 7-1). This clearing footprint includes approximately 4,877ha of remnant vegetation (see Table 7-1).
The majority of the proposed clearing footprint (approximately 70%) comprises previously cleared lands of comparatively low habitat values for native fauna (11,643ha). Within this landscape, several Near Threatened fauna species have been recorded (i.e. Cotton Pygmy Goose and Black-necked Stork). These records are linked to the presence of water bodies, all of which are constructed dams. There are no intrinsically special or notable habitat features associated with these water bodies, though they contribute to a network of water bodies which support these species within the wider area encompassing the study site.
The findings of the SEIS field surveys and habitat assessments indicate that the key habitat areas on the study site are associated with remnant vegetation on the BBNR, western parts of Lambton Meadows, a large habitat patch on Saltbush, and habitats within Spring Creek area in the north-western corner of the study site. Whilst riparian habitats along Lagoon Creek are degraded, these are likely to be locally important in regard to fauna movement opportunities into and out of the study site.
The proposed clearing footprint will significantly impact on two of these areas, i.e. BBNR and riparian habitats of Lagoon Creek. Data reviews identify that approximately 85% of the total species richness recorded on the study site has been recorded on the BBNR. Combined with the results of the SEIS survey program, species richness would be expected to reach approximately 95% of total species records for study site. Within the context of bioregional data, these findings are indicative of a “high” fauna species richness. The results of those data reviews, in combination with the survey findings of Unidel (2011) and the SEIS surveys, indicate that habitat on the BBNR and within the clearing footprint, supports known and/or potentially suitable habitat for a variety of threatened fauna species, i.e. the Koala, Squatter Pigeon (southern), Black-throated Finch (southern), Little Pied Bat, Black-necked Stork, Square-tailed Kite, and Black-chinned Honeyeater.
Whist riparian habitats of Lagoon Creek are degraded, there are habitat values for a variety of fauna. In regard to threatened fauna species, there is a record of the Near Threatened Little Pied Bat within the northern extent of these riparian habitats. It is possible, that these riparian habitats also support values for other threatened fauna, including Koala, Black-chinned Honeyeater, and Square-tailed Kite.
Table 7-1 Proposed Clearing Footprint
Remnant Regional Ecosystems and Non-remnant Vegetation Area (Ha) within Clearing Footprint Non-remnant Vegetation 11642.50 RE 10.3.27/10.3.12/10.3.3 743.69 RE 10.5.5/10.5.12 3216.22 RE 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.27/11.5.5 142.18 RE 10.4.3/10.3.27 51.13 RE 10.7.3/10.5.5/10.7.5 84.38 RE 10.3.27/10.3.28 639.89
Page 47 of 100 1350 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
7.1.2. Habitat Fragmentation and Loss of Connectivity
Habitat fragmentation is the alteration of previously continuous habitat into spatially separated and smaller patches. Whilst the clearing footprint will result in a reduction of habitat, it does not create any isolated habitat “islands” per se. though it does impact on habitat connectivity.
The general interface between habitats of the BBNR and riparian habitats of Lagoon Creek is likely to be of local ecological significance in terms of a habitat linkage between remnant woodland to the west (through BBNR, Lambton Meadows and beyond) and those riparian habitats extending north along Lagoon Creek to the habitat mosaic to the north-east of the study site. Whist riparian habitats of Lagoon Creek are degraded, they support a level of habitat connectivity, and opportunities for wildlife movement into, through, and beyond the study site. The clearing footprint will remove a significant section of the interface and the section of riparian habitat extending northwards along Lagoon Creek.
7.1.3. Habitat Degradation
Potential impacts which may result in degradation of retained habitat arising from construction and operational phase include the following: Alteration of local surface and groundwater hydrology which may be linked to large-scale landform modification associated with open-cut mining operations and supporting infrastructure (e.g. creation of creek diversions, and large sediment and tailings dams), and land subsidence following underground mining, etc. Creation of ‘new” habitat edges will render retained habitats vulnerable to weed invasion, increases in dust exposure and wind-throw, etc. Habitat degradation associated with land subsidence; Invasion of exotic weed species; Introduction of pest animal species; and Alteration to fire regimes.
Figure 7-1 describes the location and extent of both the project disturbance (clearing) footprint and the predicted subsidence footprint associated with underground mining operations. Beyond the direct impacts of habitat clearing, there is a suite of threats which may impact on the values of habitat to be retained on the study site. The key sources of degradation are the open cut and underground mining operations, and whilst there is overlap between the suite of potential impacts generated by each of the two mining strategies, there are likely to be some distinct differences in terms of intensity (scale), extent and duration, and the extent to which such impacts can be managed.
For example, the creation of new habitat edges as a result of vegetation clearing is primarily associated with progressive open-cut mining operations and not underground mining operations. Creation of ‘new” habitat edges will render retained habitats susceptible to weed invasion, increases in dust exposure and tree wind-throw, etc. Whilst acknowledging there are other potential impacts associated with open cut operations, with the application of best practice management strategies, impacts associated with dust and weeds (and other operational impacts such light, noise, erosion and sediment control) can be successfully managed to minimise long-term degrading impacts to retained habitats.
In contrast, potential impacts to retained habitats associated with land subsidence are primarily associated with progressive underground mining operations and not open-cut mining operations. Subsidence due to underground (longwall) mining can cause deformation of ground surfaces. This can affect natural water flow regimes and water quality, alter ground water hydrology and subsequently generate changes to the condition and extent of a species’ habitat
Page 48 of 100 1351 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
and to the ecological function of both flora and fauna communities (TEC 2007). The resultant impacts can be temporary or long term.
Surfaces directly above extracted underground openings usually subside in the form of a trough, the area of which extends beyond the limits of the underground opening. The amount of subsidence and associated parameters, and the shape of the subsidence trough, are influenced greatly by the size of the panel, the dip of the seam, changes in seam thickness, topography, the existence of remnant pillars or partial extraction, extraction of more than one seam, changes in the geology and the interaction due to adjacent extraction (including above and below) (DME 1995).
Predicative modeling has been undertaken for this aspect of the project (see SEIS Subsidence Technical Report contained in Volume 2 - Appendices). That analysis demonstrates that surface subsidence will develop progressively within each longwall block and will present on the landform surface as a series of trough like depressions. The greatest (maximum) total subsidence is predicted to occur in the surface areas which are affected by the operations in both the B-seam and D-seam operations (see SEIS Subsidence Technical Report).
Based on these assumptions, the maximum depth of subsidence impact from the mining operations will be in the areas where mining in the B-seam and D-seam overlap (i.e. the area where underground mines 1 and 4 overlap), and in the centre region of the longwall blocks in this area. This subsidence area occurs in the north-western section of the mine foot print (see SEIS Subsidence Technical Report). The total cumulative subsidence in this area is predicted to reach a maximum depth of 3.20m, and the average subsidence of between 1.1m to 1.6m across the bulk of the areas to be impacted by subsidence from underground mining (see SEIS Subsidence Technical Report).
The primary impact to fauna habitat values will be linked to the extent and degree of degradation of the woodland tree canopy (refer to assessment within the SEIS Flora and Vegetation Report).
7.2. Impact Mitigation Strategies
The following section identifies the management strategies and measures which are recommended in relation to mitigation of the potential impacts. Implementation of a management measure listed in this section may be relevant to both construction and operation phases of the project. Whilst a variety of recommended management strategies and measures will potentially need to be incorporated within the various issue-specific management plans, they are, for completeness and with relevance to impact mitigation to fauna, listed within this section. Table 7-2 lists and describes (but is not limited to) the suite of management strategies and measures applicable to the project as a whole, and in regard to the primary phase of development.
Of the suite of management plans required, a Fauna Management Plan (FMP) will need to be developed which details the practical strategies and actions, which will be implemented and can be monitored, to address, but not limited to the issues (and protocols) listed below for both common and threatened fauna. The FMP does not override any existing or other approvals associated with the project and needs to be prepared by incorporating, where necessary, all relevant approval conditions into the document. The plan’s primary authorship will need to be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced zoologist/ecologist.
The FMP will need to give specific regard to the protection and management of habitat values for those threatened fauna species recorded on the study site. The threatened species to be addressed are the Koala, Brigalow Scaly-foot, Squatter Pigeon (southern), Black-throated Finch
Page 49 of 100 1352 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
(southern), Little Pied Bat, Black-necked Stork, Square-tailed Kite and Black-chinned Honeyeater. Regard to should also be given to the following, the Cotton Pygmy Goose, Freckled Duck and Northern Quoll. The plan is to include, but not be limited to, the following information: Management strategies for the protection of those habitat resources and maintenance of resources and conditions to support the longer-term site usage of each species. Identification of potential conflicts between the objectives of the threatened species management plan and those of other plan strategies (e.g. bushfire management, extraction site rehabilitation; offset management) and the strategies to eliminate or mitigate potential impacts to threatened species arising from such conflicts.
A further and important objective of the FMP is to identify a monitoring program to assess fauna occurrence within retained habitats. Ideally, monitoring events should be undertaken in a systematic and standardised manner to ensure replicability, and preferably, include a component which is consistent with the site-based survey approach implemented for the EIS/SEIS survey program.
Page 50 of 100 1353 1354 | COAL WARATAH
Table 7-2 Impact Mitigation Strategies and Measures
Relevant Project Phase Issue Category Management Management Strategies and Measures Habitat Animal Fauna Pest Habitat Project Coal Galilee Construction Operational of Retained Clearing Welfare Movement Management Rehabilitation habitat
No remnant vegetation removal shall occur until relevant approvals have been obtained.
Clearing boundaries will be delineated on all drawings and in the field to define the extent of authorized/permitted clearing. Installation of vegetation clearance markers (e.g. high visibility poly-web fencing) prior to the commencement of vegetation
clearance to identify and protect remnant vegetation for retention. | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013 Clearly define all areas not directly affected by construction/mining activities to delineate limits of disturbance. No unauthorised disturbances should occur outside defined disturbance areas (e.g. dumping of excavated material).
Areas identified for vegetation clearance are to be clearly defined and detailed in site inductions.
No clearing is to commence without the presence of a suitably experienced and licensed spotter/catcher. Pre-clearing surveys are to be undertaken by suitably experienced and licensed spotter/catchers in advance of remnant vegetation clearing and pre-empting such operations with suitable lead times to ensure that specific management and mitigation measures can be implemented (e.g. avoidance of disturbance to nesting birds). The timing of vegetation clearance (particularly areas of remnant vegetation) should be selected in order to minimise impacts (direct and indirect disturbances) to affected fauna habitats during optimum breeding periods. Conduct clearing in a sequential manner. The direction of sequential clearing should be away from the disturbance area and towards any retained vegetation or habitat links. Along the interface between clearing precincts and retained habitat, trees are to be felled towards the clearing precinct to avoid damage to adjacent retained habitat.
Page 51 of 100 Relevant Project Phase Issue Category Management Management Strategies and Measures Habitat Animal Fauna Pest Habitat Construction Operational of Retained Clearing Welfare Movement Management Rehabilitation habitat No remnant vegetation clearing is to be conducted between the 1700hrs and 0600hours unless subject to area-specific exemptions identified in the management plan. Cleared vegetation is to be stockpiled so as not to impede wildlife, surface drainage and avoid damage to adjacent retained vegetation. Cleared material should not be deposited in or adjacent to watercourses. Setbacks to waterways as defined by approval permits need to be adhered to.
Any proposed site lighting should be designed to ensure that leakage of artificial light onto adjoining retained habitat is avoided. Implementation of a comprehensive suite of dust suppression techniques to minimise impacts to areas of retained habitat and rehabilitation which are in proximity to operational areas. Wildlife assessment/rescue services are to be engaged prior to vegetation clearing, to assess appropriate site clearing approaches to minimise deleterious impacts to fauna. |Appendices Spotter/catcher services (wildlife handlers) are to be employed during vegetation clearing activities. A pre-clearing survey for fauna (not restricted to significant species) is required prior to each stage of clearing to address animal welfare issues and relocation of fauna from clearing path.
A permit to interfere with wildlife from the Queensland Report Assessment Fauna Environment Protection Agency (QEPA) will be required for the wildlife handling activities as will the appropriate Animal Ethics Permit from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI). Spotter/catcher services (wildlife handlers) must only be undertaken by those identified on a current site-specific Damage Mitigation Permit (Removal and Relocation of Wildlife) from the EPA QPWS. 1355
Page 52 of 100 1356 | COAL WARATAH
Relevant Project Phase Issue Category Management Management Strategies and Measures Habitat Animal Fauna Pest Habitat Construction Operational of Retained Clearing Welfare Movement Management Rehabilitation habitat Where badly injured fauna require euthanasia, only personnel Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee suitably licensed shall undertake such actions. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2004) are to be followed when dealing with injured fauna. Alternatively, any injured fauna should be taken to the nearest veterinary clinic. Development and implementation of protocols for the relocation of any displaced fauna must be prepared prior to clearing operations. | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013 A register of fauna incidents/interactions needs to be maintained daily during clearing operations. Suitable buffer distances for sensitive locations (e.g. active nest sites, presence of a Koala, etc.) must be established and clearly marked as a ‘no go zone’ until spotter/catcher has authorised that clearing in the area can commence/continue. Habitat trees are to be identified in the field and by plan prior to commencement of clearing operations. These shall be marked and dismantled using a cherry picker and a suitably qualified arborist and spotter/catcher. Hollows containing fauna shall be blocked, removed from the tree and gently lowered to the ground, with species relocated to a pre-identified, suitable site. Areas inaccessible to a cherry picker, requiring hollow removal shall use a hydraulic grabber to remove and gently to the ground. All remnant vegetation removed should be reused, either within the offset areas and/or within the rehabilitation areas. Logs and large rocks should be placed in nearby vegetation or adjacent to such vegetation to create shelter habitat for terrestrial fauna species. These ‘stock piles’ may then be used during later operations to create artificial habitats within rehabilitation areas. To ensure that the seed bank in removed soil is preserved as much as practical, stockpiling of topsoil will be undertaken in accordance with best practice storage guidelines.
Post-disturbance reconstructed landforms to be contoured to resemble the original local topography as far as practical.
Page 53 of 100 Relevant Project Phase Issue Category Management Management Strategies and Measures Habitat Animal Fauna Pest Habitat Construction Operational of Retained Clearing Welfare Movement Management Rehabilitation habitat A weed management plan will be implemented during both construction and operational phases. Weed control strategies are to be developed and implemented and include, but not be limited to the design and implementation of an ongoing eradication program which targets environmental weeds and an ongoing systematic monitoring program to detect the occurrence of environmental weeds and to assess the success of the control/eradication program. Prior to commencement of clearing operations, a survey of weed species is to be undertaken in order to identify areas requiring treatment. All weed infestations within the construction area are to be treated and/or removed where practical from the clearing precinct prior to clearing.
All construction machinery entering the site shall be free of soil, weeds, soil pathogens and pest species.
Designated wash down points for vehicles and plant entering the |Appendices site will be established and plant will be inspected prior to mobilsation and demobilisation. A register of vehicle approval certification is to be developed and maintained. It will be mandatory that vehicles and equipment to be used within areas of retained habitat are subject to a separate, more detailed and comprehensive wash-down before entering such areas. The
remainder of the workforce vehicles/equipment will be required to Report Assessment Fauna stay on project/site approved roads and designated works areas to minimise contact with weeds. The proposed development will not deliberately introduce any invasive species. Companion animals (e.g. dogs) are to be banned from all construction and operational areas. Feral animal control strategies are to be developed and implemented and include, but not be limited to the design and implementation of an ongoing eradication program which targets pest animals (especially cats, dogs and foxes) and an ongoing systematic monitoring program to detect the occurrence of feral
1357 animals and to assess the success of the eradication program.
Page 54 of 100 1358 | COAL WARATAH
Relevant Project Phase Issue Category Management Management Strategies and Measures Habitat Animal Fauna Pest Habitat Construction Operational of Retained Clearing Welfare Movement Management Rehabilitation habitat Implementation of a program to ensure strict litter/waste control Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee throughout the construction and operational works on the site. This is to be supported by: site-wide signage; an adequate number of litter bins (which by design exclude birds and vermin); bin clearance on a regular basis; daily maintenance of crib rooms to ensure cleanliness; educational signage within crib rooms on the linkage between poor waste management practices, increases in pest animal populations and subsequent impacts to native fauna. Implementation of design features for permanent structures and temporary site facilities (e.g. construction site offices. etc.) which | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013 minimise harbourage or roost opportunities for vermin and animal pests. Identify barriers to safe fauna movement and remove or modify these barriers where possible (external to the open cut mine and infrastructure operational areas). Implement measures to reduce fauna mortality on roads.
Establishment of fauna exclusion fences to prevent fauna inadvertently re-entering the open cut mine operational areas. Monitoring of the movements of, and any incidents involving, the fauna populations will identify if there is the need for erection of fauna exclusion fencing around active quarry. If required, fencing should be designed and located with the assistance of an ecologist. The use of barbed wire should be avoided and used only where essential to exclude stock from adjoining pastoral activities. Where the use of barbed wire cannot be avoided, the fence design should incorporate alternate strands of plain wire and barbed wire, e.g. top strand plain wire, middle strand barbed wire and bottom strand plain wire. Existing boundary fences associated with any offset areas should be retrofitted to meet the above recommendations (assuming there is no conflict with existing/approved rights of use).
Page 55 of 100 Relevant Project Phase Issue Category Management Management Strategies and Measures Habitat Animal Fauna Pest Habitat Construction Operational of Retained Clearing Welfare Movement Management Rehabilitation habitat All personnel shall attend environmental training prior to entering the work site. As part of this training, all personnel will be briefed about their obligations to protect fauna.
Fauna shall not be fed and direct contact with fauna is to be avoided. This includes both native and introduced species. Avoiding additional clearing of remnant vegetation for construction vehicle access tracks, truck turning areas and extra workspaces, etc. A track plan is to be developed for areas of retained habitat and rehabilitation. Site protocols are to be established which restrict authorised area access to the approved track network identified with the plan. pedcs |Appendices Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna 1359
Page 56 of 100 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
7.3. Offset Requirements
A Biodiversity Offset Strategy (the strategy) to address the offset requirements of the Project is being prepared (see SEIS Biodiversity Offsets for the Galilee Coal Project Position paper contained in Volume 2 - Appendices of this SEIS). The strategy aims to compensate for the unavoidable, non-mitigated loss of vegetation and biodiversity values as a result of the Project. The offset policies addressed in the strategy are the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy Version 1 (QBOP) and the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy Consultation Draft (2011) (EOP).
The QBOP establishes the requirements for providing offsets to impacts to state significant biodiversity values (SSBV). Under the QBOP any actions which impact on a SSBV requires an offset. The list of SSBVs cited in the QBOP includes: Endangered, Of Concern, Threshold and Critically Limited Regional Ecosystems (REs); High Value Regrowth containing Of concern or Endangered REs; Essential habitat and Essential regrowth habitat; Wetlands, Significant Wetlands and Wetland Protection Areas; Watercourse vegetation; Vegetation required for Connectivity; and Protected Plants and Animals,
The draft EOP establishes the framework under which offsets can operate in relation to approvals granted under the EPBCA, and the offset requirements for unavoidable impacts to MNES listed under the EPBCA. Under the draft EOP, values requiring offsets include: World heritage properties; Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands); Listed threatened species; Listed ecological communities; Listed migratory species protected under international agreements; The Commonwealth marine environment; National heritage places; and The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
A variety of biodiversity values have been assessed for the strategy for the Project. These include: Bimblebox Nature Refuge; Remnant regional ecosystems, high value regrowth containing regional ecosystems, threshold regional ecosystems, critically limited regional ecosystems; Essential habitat and essential regrowth habitat; Wetlands, watercourses, and connectivity, and Threatened fauna and flora species.
In regard to threatened fauna, the process implemented to calculate the offset requirements associated with the Project relied apon the development of modelling to determine habitat values for the suite of threatened fauna species which are known to occur, or may occur on the study site. This modeling was prepared for 15 species listed as threatened under the EPBCA and/or NCA, being: Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus – Endangered EPBCA Koala Phascolarctos cinereus – Vulnerable EPBCA Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus – Near Threatened NCA Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis – Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA the skink Ctenotus capricorni – Near Threatened NCA Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa – Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA
Page 57 of 100 1360 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
7.3. Offset Requirements Common Death Adder Acanthophis antarciticus – Near Threatened NCA Ornamental Snake Denisonia maculata – Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA A Biodiversity Offset Strategy (the strategy) to address the offset requirements of the Project is Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus - Near Threatened NCA being prepared (see SEIS Biodiversity Offsets for the Galilee Coal Project Position paper Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa - Near Threatened NCA contained in Volume 2 - Appendices of this SEIS). The strategy aims to compensate for the Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus - Near Threatened NCA unavoidable, non-mitigated loss of vegetation and biodiversity values as a result of the Project. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura - Near Threatened NCA The offset policies addressed in the strategy are the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta - Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA Version 1 (QBOP) and the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy Consultation Draft (2011) Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis - Near Threatened NCA (EOP). Black-throated Finch (southern) Peophila cincta cincta – Endangered EPBCA and Vulnerable NCA The QBOP establishes the requirements for providing offsets to impacts to state significant biodiversity values (SSBV). Under the QBOP any actions which impact on a SSBV requires an To prepare habitat models, following base data for the study site was collated: offset. The list of SSBVs cited in the QBOP includes: The extent of the project disturbance footprint, including areas that will be cleared as part of Endangered, Of Concern, Threshold and Critically Limited Regional Ecosystems (REs); open-cut mining operations and for supporting infrastructure, and areas that will potentially High Value Regrowth containing Of concern or Endangered REs; be impacted by subsidence associated with underground mining operations. Essential habitat and Essential regrowth habitat; VMA RE and Remnant Vegetation mapping (Version 6.1 – DERM 2012a), Essential Habitat Wetlands, Significant Wetlands and Wetland Protection Areas; mapping (Version 3.1; DERM 2012a), and Regrowth Vegetation mapping (Version 2.1 – Watercourse vegetation; DERM 2011b); Vegetation required for Connectivity; and Biodiversity Planning Assessment mapping (DERM 2012e); Protected Plants and Animals, Detailed vegetation community, ground cover, and biocondition assessments implemented at over 60 quaternary sites across the study site in 2012 (SEIS Flora and Vegetation The draft EOP establishes the framework under which offsets can operate in relation to Report); and approvals granted under the EPBCA, and the offset requirements for unavoidable impacts to Fauna records and habitat assessments derived from the 2011-2012 SEIS fauna survey MNES listed under the EPBCA. Under the draft EOP, values requiring offsets include: program (described previously in this report); and World heritage properties; Fauna records derived from the EIS survey program (Unidel 2011a) and records and/or Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands); habitat assessments drawn from the existing information reviewed for this SEIS report Listed threatened species; (DERM 1998; DERM 1999; EPA 2007; DERM 2011; MCG 2011; Birdlife SQ 2012; and Listed ecological communities; Birdlife Australia 2012). Listed migratory species protected under international agreements; The abovementioned data was combined with the following information, where available for The Commonwealth marine environment; each species: National heritage places; and VMA Essential Habitat Factors derived from extracts of the VMA Essential Habitat factors The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 39 database (Version 3.1) ; Habitat records for the Desert Uplands Bioregion (e.g. Kutt 1999 and Morgan et al. 2002); A variety of biodiversity values have been assessed for the strategy for the Project. These include: Modeled distribution for threatened reptile species (SEWPaC 2011b); Bimblebox Nature Refuge; Habitat descriptors from key threatened species documents, including recovery plans, policy statements, and species profiles (BTFRP 2007; DEWHA 2009b; Hill & Ward 2010; Remnant regional ecosystems, high value regrowth containing regional ecosystems, SEWPaC 2012 a-d); and threshold regional ecosystems, critically limited regional ecosystems; Habitat descriptions within the scientific literature which were regarded as geographically Essential habitat and essential regrowth habitat; relevant to the study site and surrounding area (e.g. Ellis et al. 1995; Kutt 1999; Ellis et al. Wetlands, watercourses, and connectivity, and 2002). Threatened fauna and flora species. A conservative application of modeling criteria was undertaken to account for a variety of In regard to threatened fauna, the process implemented to calculate the offset requirements assumptions and uncertainties. For example, whilst it is considered that the level of survey associated with the Project relied apon the development of modelling to determine habitat effort (in combination with the variety of methodologies) provides a reliable indication that the values for the suite of threatened fauna species which are known to occur, or may occur on the study site is unlikely to support resident or breeding population of certain species, the potential study site. This modeling was prepared for 15 species listed as threatened under the EPBCA occurrence of such species cannot be ruled out (e.g. Black-throated Finch). Again, whilst the and/or NCA, being: level of survey work for some species has been extensive, where large areas of potentially Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus – Endangered EPBCA suitable habitat are present, there is potential for the undetected presence of a cryptic species, Koala Phascolarctos cinereus – Vulnerable EPBCA such as the Yakka Skink. Further caution is warranted when assessing the degree of habitat Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus – Near Threatened NCA suitability for a wide-ranging species, such as the Northern Quoll. Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis – Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA 39 the skink Ctenotus capricorni – Near Threatened NCA The habitat factors represent environmental variables for species records released and regulated as version 3.1 Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa – Vulnerable EPBCA and NCA on 16/09/2011 under the Vegetation Management Act (1999).
Page 57 of 100 Page 58 of 100 1361 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Species model outputs were reviewed and where required, refined through assessment by the study team. This final stage of the process was undertaken to resolve areas of Primary and Secondary Habitat Values from each of species habitat models.
Areas included with the Primary Habitat Values category comprised a combination of the following: Species recorded within Regional Ecosystem type on the study site; Species recorded within Regional Ecosystem type within the Desert Uplands Bioregion. Habitat that supports species-specific essential conditions and/or resources for the species e.g. microhabitat requirements such as cracking clays (e.g. Brigalow Scaly-foot), gilgai subject to seasonal inundation (Ornamental Snake), suitable burrowing substrates (e.g. Yakka Skink), large diameter ground logs (e.g. Yakka Skink) or termite mounds (e.g. Northern Quoll), exfoliating sandstone slabs (e.g. Brigalow Scaly-foot), cavernous habitat (e.g. Northern Quoll), sheets of fallen bark (e.g. Brigalow Scaly-foot), drifts of deep leaf litter (e.g. Common Death Adder), proximity to water (e.g. Black-throated Finch (southern)40 and Squatter Pigeon (southern)41) Habitat type is >50ha in area and/or ecologically connected with other remnant Regional Ecosystems.
Areas included with the Secondary Habitat Values category comprised: Species recorded within Regional Ecosystem type within the Desert Uplands Bioregion. Habitat where species-specific essential conditions and/or resources were either depauperate or absent. Habitat type is <50ha in area and/or does not interface with other remnant Regional Ecosystems.
For some of the 15 threatened fauna species, habitat modeling was either not feasible, or where notable caveats to the resultant output are required, i.e.: Cotton Pygmy Goose, Freckled Duck, Black-necked Stork, and Squatter Pigeon (southern).
Whilst there is a single study site record for the Cotton Pygmy Goose and Freckled Duck (farm dams within non-remnant pastoral land), the study site does not support habitat consistent with the typical requirements of these waterbirds, to enable establishment of resident populations. It is recommended that where possible, offset habitat secured for Black-necked Stork, should include habitat features which may be suitable to both the Cotton Pygmy Goose and Freckled Duck.
The Black-necked Stork has been recorded on both constructed and natural water bodies within both non-remnant and remnant vegetation surrounds. Also, the Black-necked Stork is not known to have a strong association with Regional Ecosystems per se. (key modeling data). All natural wetland sites and within remnant vegetation (regarded as comparatively higher value habitat), are located well outside both the mine disturbance and the predicted subsidence footprints (i.e. on Saltbush and Oakleigh properties). Whilst it is recommended that the offset strategy include habitat provisions suitable for the Black-necked Stork, it is not possible to determine the quantum of potential offset habitat from the data available.
For the Squatter Pigeon (southern), there are no clear patterns of association with particular Regional Ecosystems (a key determinant within the species models) or even remnant vegetation cover per se. For example, Agnew (2007) reviewed central Queensland Squatter
40 Following modeling protocols identified in Austecology (2011) for potential breeding habitat, and for non- breeding/dry-season feeding habitat, a proximity buffer of 3km from water bodies, using water bodies known to persist during the end of the dry-season in October 2011. 41 Based on the findings of Agnew (2007) for a review of central Queensland Squatter Pigeon (southern) records in relation to proximity to water.
Page 59 of 100 1362 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Species model outputs were reviewed and where required, refined through assessment by the Pigeon (southern) records to assess associations with vegetation characteristics. That review study team. This final stage of the process was undertaken to resolve areas of Primary and found that 48.3% of the records were located within non-remnant environments only, with Secondary Habitat Values from each of species habitat models. 13.6% of the total number of records located within remnant vegetation only42. The remaining data was associated with a combination of both remnant and non-remnant vegetation. Areas included with the Primary Habitat Values category comprised a combination of the following: Whilst a detailed assessment of the non-remnant habitat suitability has not been undertaken, it Species recorded within Regional Ecosystem type on the study site; is feasible that part of that part of that habitat could be included within Secondary Habitat Species recorded within Regional Ecosystem type within the Desert Uplands Bioregion. Values category for the Squatter Pigeon (southern). The modeling outputs for remnant habitat Habitat that supports species-specific essential conditions and/or resources for the species suitability have been undertaken, and the result is likely to be a strong overestimate and should e.g. microhabitat requirements such as cracking clays (e.g. Brigalow Scaly-foot), gilgai be treated with caution in determining an offset liability for the project. subject to seasonal inundation (Ornamental Snake), suitable burrowing substrates (e.g. Yakka Skink), large diameter ground logs (e.g. Yakka Skink) or termite mounds (e.g. In regards to both the Squatter Pigeon (southern) and Black-throated Finch (southern), the Northern Quoll), exfoliating sandstone slabs (e.g. Brigalow Scaly-foot), cavernous habitat extent of suitable ground feeding conditions and resources will vary seasonally. That the extent (e.g. Northern Quoll), sheets of fallen bark (e.g. Brigalow Scaly-foot), drifts of deep leaf litter of variability in quality, quantity and composition of required grass seed resources cannot be (e.g. Common Death Adder), proximity to water (e.g. Black-throated Finch (southern)40 and determined without long-term research, a conservative approach has been undertaken in Squatter Pigeon (southern)41) assessing the quantum of habitat which should be subject to offsetting requirements. Habitat type is >50ha in area and/or ecologically connected with other remnant Regional Ecosystems. Attachment M provides a summary of the essential habitat factors and habitat descriptions of relevance to the above-mentioned data sources and used to develop habitat modeling criteria. Areas included with the Secondary Habitat Values category comprised: Table 7-3 provides a summary integration of the data for Regional Ecosystems on the study Species recorded within Regional Ecosystem type within the Desert Uplands Bioregion. site, and areas of these which are subject to either the mine disturbance footprint and/or the Habitat where species-specific essential conditions and/or resources were either predicted subsidence footprint. Table 7-4 provides the final outputs of the offset assessment depauperate or absent. process for each of 12 threatened species which are either known to occur, or may occur on the Habitat type is <50ha in area and/or does not interface with other remnant Regional study site. Ecosystems.
For some of the 15 threatened fauna species, habitat modeling was either not feasible, or where notable caveats to the resultant output are required, i.e.: Cotton Pygmy Goose, Freckled Duck, Black-necked Stork, and Squatter Pigeon (southern).
Whilst there is a single study site record for the Cotton Pygmy Goose and Freckled Duck (farm dams within non-remnant pastoral land), the study site does not support habitat consistent with the typical requirements of these waterbirds, to enable establishment of resident populations. It is recommended that where possible, offset habitat secured for Black-necked Stork, should include habitat features which may be suitable to both the Cotton Pygmy Goose and Freckled Duck.
The Black-necked Stork has been recorded on both constructed and natural water bodies within both non-remnant and remnant vegetation surrounds. Also, the Black-necked Stork is not known to have a strong association with Regional Ecosystems per se. (key modeling data). All natural wetland sites and within remnant vegetation (regarded as comparatively higher value habitat), are located well outside both the mine disturbance and the predicted subsidence footprints (i.e. on Saltbush and Oakleigh properties). Whilst it is recommended that the offset strategy include habitat provisions suitable for the Black-necked Stork, it is not possible to determine the quantum of potential offset habitat from the data available.
For the Squatter Pigeon (southern), there are no clear patterns of association with particular Regional Ecosystems (a key determinant within the species models) or even remnant vegetation cover per se. For example, Agnew (2007) reviewed central Queensland Squatter
40 Following modeling protocols identified in Austecology (2011) for potential breeding habitat, and for non- breeding/dry-season feeding habitat, a proximity buffer of 3km from water bodies, using water bodies known to 42 persist during the end of the dry-season in October 2011. Total number of records analysed was 111. Only records with a location accuracy of <100m were used, though 41 Based on the findings of Agnew (2007) for a review of central Queensland Squatter Pigeon (southern) records in the majority of these records provide location accuracy to + 10m. Records were assessed in regards to the relation to proximity to water. incidence of remnant and non-remnant vegetation within 200m of record location (see Agnew 2007).
Page 59 of 100 Page 60 of 100 1363 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Table 7-3 Regional Ecosystems within Clearing and Predicted Subsidence Footprints Area subject to Area subject to Total Area on Predicted Regional Ecosystem Clearing Leases Subsidence Footprint Footprint 10.10.1/10.10.4/10.10.3 603.60 116.65 10.10.1/10.10.4/10.7.3/10.7.5 172.85 172.85 10.10.4 31.46 27.08 10.10.4/10.7.5/10.7.3 936.03 444.81 10.10.5/10.10.4/10.10.7/10.10.1 96.39 80.76 10.3.15 132.40 10.3.27/10.3.12/10.3.3 1861.23 743.69 10.3.27/10.3.28 4532.03 639.89 1099.90 10.3.27/10.3.28/10.3.14 162.52 10.3.27/10.3.3 18.44 10.3.27/10.5.5/10.3.3 20.67 20.62 10.3.28/10.3.27/10.3.14 432.98 356.50 10.3.4/10.3.3/10.3.25 22.56 10.4.3 32.43 3.23 10.4.3/10.3.27 62.84 51.13 10.4.3/10.3.27 41.50 10.4.3/10.5.12 10.43 10.5.1/10.5.10 1247.63 1242.01 10.5.1/10.5.5 458.01 10.5.1/10.5.5 702.33 10.5.10 346.73 10.5.10/10.3.28/10.3.27 442.27 10.5.10/10.5.1 374.92 10.5.10/10.5.5 265.14 10.5.12/10.5.5 225.35 10.5.5 32.47 4.14 10.5.5/10.3.27/10.5.12 788.87 3.56 10.5.5/10.5.12 15596.85 3216.22 8844.68 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.27/11.5.5 6399.74 142.18 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.28/10.3.27 4986.70 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.3 419.95 10.5.5/10.5.4/10.5.1/10.7.3 496.83 60.27 10.5.5/10.7.5/10.7.3 89.15 10.7.3 31.85 25.11 10.7.3/10.5.1 101.44 0.17 10.7.3/10.5.10 24.01 17.35 10.7.3/10.5.5 75.82 10.7.3/10.5.5 36.51 10.7.3/10.5.5/10.7.5 113.60 84.38 10.7.3/10.7.5 5.17 6.54 10.7.3/10.7.5 42.80 10.7.3/10.7.5 110.02 10.7.3/10.7.5/10.3.3 99.84 99.84 10.7.5 14.75 14.75 10.7.5/10.3.3/10.3.27 18.95 18.95 11.10.3/11.10.7/11.10.13 0.15 11.7.2/11.10.7 0.34 Remnant 42718.55 4877.49 12659.76 Non-remnant 60542.62 11642.50 12938.34 Total Area 103261.17 16519.99 25598.10 Remnant clearing footprint as a % 11.42 of total remnant Remnant subsidence footprint as a 29.64 % of total remnant
1364 Page 61 of 100 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Table 7-3 Regional Ecosystems within Clearing and Predicted Subsidence Footprints Table 7-4 Summary of Compensatory Offsets for Threatened Fauna Area subject to Area subject to Total Area on Predicted Regional Ecosystem Clearing Leases Subsidence Secondary Secondary Footprint Primary Habitat Primary Habitat Footprint Habitat Habitat Values Values 10.10.1/10.10.4/10.10.3 603.60 116.65 Values Values 10.10.1/10.10.4/10.7.3/10.7.5 172.85 172.85 Predicted Predicted 10.10.4 31.46 27.08 Clearing Clearing Species Subsidence Subsidence Footprint Footprint 10.10.4/10.7.5/10.7.3 936.03 444.81 Footprint Footprint 10.10.5/10.10.4/10.10.7/10.10.1 96.39 80.76 Little Pied Bat 10.3.15 132.40 1434.71 1480.25 3442.77 11179.52 10.3.27/10.3.12/10.3.3 1861.23 743.69 Chalinolobus picatus 10.3.27/10.3.28 4532.03 639.89 1099.90 the skink Ctenotus capricorni 3216.22 1598.51 1525.76 10033.16 10.3.27/10.3.28/10.3.14 162.52 Yakka Skink 10.3.27/10.3.3 18.44 1422.18 3481.87 589.96 969.02 Egernia rugosa 10.3.27/10.5.5/10.3.3 20.67 20.62 10.3.28/10.3.27/10.3.14 432.98 356.50 Squatter Pigeon (southern) 2789.24 8757.58 2052.75 667.35 10.3.4/10.3.3/10.3.25 22.56 Geophaps scripta scripta 10.4.3 32.43 3.23 Square-tailed Kite 10.4.3/10.3.27 62.84 51.13 4741.97 11631.67 135.51 1028.09 Lophoictinia isura 10.4.3/10.3.27 41.50 10.4.3/10.5.12 10.43 Black-chinned Honeyeater 4599.80 11194.28 277.69 1473.17 10.5.1/10.5.10 1247.63 1242.01 Melithreptus gularis 10.5.1/10.5.5 458.01 Brigalow Scaly-foot 10.5.1/10.5.5 702.33 1473.31 3485.09 589.96 969.02 Paradelma orientalis 10.5.10 346.73 10.5.10/10.3.28/10.3.27 442.27 Koala Phascolarctos cinereus 4741.97 10389.66 0.00 1302.79 10.5.10/10.5.1 374.92 Black-throated Finch (southern) 10.5.10/10.5.5 265.14 2789.24 8757.58 2052.75 667.35 Peophila cincta cincta 10.5.12/10.5.5 225.35 10.5.5 32.47 4.14 Common Death Adder 669.00 1007.34 841.96 1636.66 10.5.5/10.3.27/10.5.12 788.87 3.56 Acanthophis antarciticus 10.5.5/10.5.12 15596.85 3216.22 8844.68 Northern Quoll 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.27/11.5.5 6399.74 142.18 84.38 1045.48 1383.58 1456.39 Dasyurus hallucatus 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.28/10.3.27 4986.70 Ornamental Snake 10.5.5/10.5.12/10.3.3 419.95 33.73 11.95 878.00 1099.90 10.5.5/10.5.4/10.5.1/10.7.3 496.83 60.27 Denisonia maculata 10.5.5/10.7.5/10.7.3 89.15 10.7.3 31.85 25.11 10.7.3/10.5.1 101.44 0.17 10.7.3/10.5.10 24.01 17.35 10.7.3/10.5.5 75.82 10.7.3/10.5.5 36.51 10.7.3/10.5.5/10.7.5 113.60 84.38 10.7.3/10.7.5 5.17 6.54 10.7.3/10.7.5 42.80 10.7.3/10.7.5 110.02 10.7.3/10.7.5/10.3.3 99.84 99.84 10.7.5 14.75 14.75 10.7.5/10.3.3/10.3.27 18.95 18.95 11.10.3/11.10.7/11.10.13 0.15 11.7.2/11.10.7 0.34 Remnant 42718.55 4877.49 12659.76 Non-remnant 60542.62 11642.50 12938.34 Total Area 103261.17 16519.99 25598.10 Remnant clearing footprint as a % 11.42 of total remnant Remnant subsidence footprint as a 29.64 % of total remnant Page 62 of 100 1365 Page 61 of 100 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
8. References AARC (2004). Nature Conservation. Clermont Coal Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement. A report prepared by AustralAsian Resource Consultants for Rio Tinto Coal Australia. AARC (2010). Flora and Fauna Assessment. Appendix E1. Alpha Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement. A report prepared by AustralAsian Resource Consultants for Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. ACRIS (2008). Desert Uplands Region. Reporting Change in the Rangelands series. Australian Collaborative Rangeland Information System. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Agnew, L. (2007). A Review of the Vulnerable Squatter Pigeon (southern subspecies) Records within Central Queensland and a Plan to Model Potential Habitat Usage. Report prepared by Ecoserve for the Department of Environment and Heritage on behalf of BHP Mitsui Coal. ANCA (1996). A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, 2nd Edition. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. ANRA (2009). Desert Uplands. Australian Natural Resources Atlas. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. http://www.anra.gov.au/topics/rangelands/overview/qld/ibra-deu.html#tenure_and_use Austecology (2011). May 2011 Black-throated Finch Surveys and Habitat Assessments. Mine Site Galilee Coal Project (Northern Export Facility). A report prepared for Waratah Coal. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunninghham, R., and Poulter, R. (2003). The new atlas of Australian birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Hawthorne East. BBRW (2010). Proceedings from the workshop for the nine listed reptiles of the Brigalow Belt bioregions. Brigalow Belt Reptiles Workshop. 18-19 August 2010. Brisbane: Queensland Herbarium. Beruldsen, G. R. (2003). AUSTRALIAN BIRDS their NESTS and EGGS. G. Beruldsen, Kenmore Hills. Birdlife SQ (2012). Galilee Basin Survey 15 – 30/4/12 Report. Baseline surveys of birds before coal mining. A report prepared by Birdlife Southern Queensland for Birdlife Australia. Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F., and Reilly, P.N. (1984). The Atlas of Australian Birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Hawthorne East. Bostock, P.D and Holland, A.E (eds.) (2010) Census of the Queensland Flora. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. BTFRP (2004). Recovery Plan for the black-throated finch southern subspecies Poephila cincta cincta. Prepared by Black-throated Finch Recovery Team, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane. BTFRP (2007). National recovery plan for the black-throated finch southern subspecies Poephila cincta cincta. Prepared by the Black-throated Finch Recovery Team, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Burnett, S. (1997). Colonizing cane toads cause population declines in native predators: reliable anecdotal information and management implications. Pacific Conservation Biology. 3:65-72. Christidis, L., and Boles, W.E. (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.
Page 63 of 100 1366 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats. 2nd Edition. Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest. 8. References Cogger, H.G. (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. New Holland AARC (2004). Nature Conservation. Clermont Coal Mine Project Environmental Impact Publishers, Sydney. Statement. A report prepared by AustralAsian Resource Consultants for Rio Tinto Coal DERM (1998). Fauna Survey of Glenn Innes / Monklands Properties, Jericho Shire, Central Australia. Queensland. Winter 1998 Field Survey Report Number 1. Fauna Surveys of Poplar Box and AARC (2010). Flora and Fauna Assessment. Appendix E1. Alpha Coal Project Environmental Silver-Leaved Ironbark Woodlands in the Northern Brigalow Belt / Southern Desert Uplands, Impact Statement. A report prepared by AustralAsian Resource Consultants for Hancock Central Queensland. A report prepared by David Hannah for the Department of Environment, Prospecting Pty Ltd. Emerald. ACRIS (2008). Desert Uplands Region. Reporting Change in the Rangelands series. Australian DERM (1999). Summer seasonal replication of fauna survey sites on Glenn Innes, Monklands Collaborative Rangeland Information System. Department of the Environment and Heritage, and Lambton Meadows. A report prepared by David Hannah for the Department of Canberra. Environment, Emerald. Agnew, L. (2007). A Review of the Vulnerable Squatter Pigeon (southern subspecies) Records DERM (2011a). Nature Refuge Brach response re Bimblebox to China First EIS. Report within Central Queensland and a Plan to Model Potential Habitat Usage. Report prepared by prepared as part of the DERM submission to the Galilee Coal Project EIS 14 December 2011. Ecoserve for the Department of Environment and Heritage on behalf of BHP Mitsui Coal. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. ANCA (1996). A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, 2nd Edition. Australian Nature DERM (2011b). Black-throated Finch (white-rumped subspecies) Profile. Queensland Conservation Agency, Canberra. Department of Environment and Resource Management http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife- ecosystems/wildlife/az_of_animals/blackthroated_finch_southern_subspecies.html ANRA (2009). Desert Uplands. Australian Natural Resources Atlas. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. DERM (2011c). Narrien Range National Park Management Plan 2011. Department of http://www.anra.gov.au/topics/rangelands/overview/qld/ibra-deu.html#tenure_and_use Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. Austecology (2011). May 2011 Black-throated Finch Surveys and Habitat Assessments. Mine DERM (2012a). Regional Ecosystem and Remnant Map - Version 6. Department of Site Galilee Coal Project (Northern Export Facility). A report prepared for Waratah Coal. Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunninghham, R., and Poulter, R. (2003). The new atlas of DERM (2012b). Vegetation Management Act Regrowth Vegetation Map - Version 2.0. Australian birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Hawthorne East. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. BBRW (2010). Proceedings from the workshop for the nine listed reptiles of the Brigalow Belt DERM (2012c). Regional Ecosystem Description Database. Maintained by Queensland bioregions. Brigalow Belt Reptiles Workshop. 18-19 August 2010. Brisbane: Queensland Herbarium, Brisbane. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. Herbarium. DERM (2012d). Wildlife Online Extracts. Department of Environment and Resource Beruldsen, G. R. (2003). AUSTRALIAN BIRDS their NESTS and EGGS. G. Beruldsen, Management, Brisbane. Kenmore Hills. DERM (2012e ). Biodiversity Planning Assessment, Desert Uplands Bioregion Fauna Expert Birdlife SQ (2012). Galilee Basin Survey 15 – 30/4/12 Report. Baseline surveys of birds before Panel Report. Central West Region and Biodiversity Assessment, Department of Environment coal mining. A report prepared by Birdlife Southern Queensland for Birdlife Australia. and Resource Management, Brisbane. Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F., and Reilly, P.N. (1984). The Atlas of Australian Birds. Royal DERM (2012e). Biodiversity Planning Assessment, Desert Uplands Bioregion Fauna Expert Australasian Ornithologists Union, Hawthorne East. Panel Report, Central West Region: Bostock, P.D and Holland, A.E (eds.) (2010) Census of the Queensland Flora. Queensland DEWHA (2009a). Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch Herbarium, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta).EPBCA Policy Statement 3.13 Nationally Threatened Species and Ecological Communities guidelines. Department of the Environment, Water, BTFRP (2004). Recovery Plan for the black-throated finch southern subspecies Poephila cincta Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. cincta. Prepared by Black-throated Finch Recovery Team, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Department of Environment DEWHA (2009b). Background Paper - Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black- and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane. throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta).Background Paper to the EPBCA Policy Statement 3.13 Nationally Threatened Species and Ecological Communities guidelines. BTFRP (2007). National recovery plan for the black-throated finch southern subspecies Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Poephila cincta cincta. Prepared by the Black-throated Finch Recovery Team, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. DEWHA (2010). Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened birds. Guidelines for detecting birds listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Burnett, S. (1997). Colonizing cane toads cause population declines in native predators: 1999. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. reliable anecdotal information and management implications. Pacific Conservation Biology. 3:65-72. DME (1995). Technical Guidelines for the Environmental Management of Exploration and Mining in Queensland. Prepared with the assistance of the Queensland Mining Council, Christidis, L., and Boles, W.E. (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Environment and Publishing, Collingwood.
Page 63 of 100 Page 64 of 100 1367 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Heritage and University of Queensland. Queensland Department of Minerals and Energy, Brisbane. DNRW (2006).The Desert Uplands. Land series. Department of Natural Resources and Water, Brisbane. Ellis, W.A.H., A. Melzer, B. Green, K. Newgrain, M.A. Hindell, and F.N. Carrick (1995). Seasonal Variation in Water Flux, Field Metaboloic Rate and Food Consumption of Free- ranging Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Journal of Zoology, 43: pp. 59-68. Ellis, W.A.H., A. Melzer, F.N. Carrick & M. Hasegawa (2002). Tree use, diet and home range of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) at Blair Athol, central Queensland. Wildlife Research. 29:303-311. EPA (2002). Biodiversity Audit – Bioregional Case Study. Desert Uplands bioregion, Queensland. Report prepared by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for the National Land and Water Audit. EPA (2007). Flora and Fauna Assessment of “Lambton Meadows”. A report prepared by the Biodiversity Sciences Unit, Environment Protection Agency, Brisbane. Garnett, S.T., and Crowley, G.M. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000. Environment Australia and Birds Australia, Canberra. Garnett, S.T., Szabo, J.J., and Dutson, G. (2010). The action plan for AUSTRALIAN BIRDS 2010. CSIRP Publishing, Collingwood. Geering, A., Agnew, L. and Harding, S. (2007) Shorebirds of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood. GHD (2010). Appendix F2 Terrestrial Ecology Report for Proposed Alpha Rail EIS. A report prepared by GHD for Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. Higgins, P.J., J.M. Peter & S.J. Cowling, eds. (2006).Boatbill to Starlings. In: Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. 7. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Hill, B. & S. Ward (2010). National Recovery Plan For the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus.. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Northern Territory. Immelmann, K. (1982). Australian Finches in Bush and Aviary. Sydney: Angus & Robertson. Ingram, G.I., Natrass, A.E.O. and Czechura, G.V. (1993). Common names for Queensland frogs. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 33(1); 221-244. Brisbane. Kingsford, R.T. and Norman F.I. (2002). Australian waterbirds – products of the continent’s ecology. Emu, 102, pp. 47-69. Kutt, A.S. (1999). Vertebrate fauna survey of the desert uplands bioregion: interim final report (data). ACTFR report no. 99/21. Prepared for the Australian heritage Commission. Ley, A.J. & S.M. Cook (2001). The Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta in New South Wales. Australian Bird Watcher. 19:115-20. Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) (1990). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume I Ratites to Ducks Part B Australian Pelican to Duck. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne. MCG (2011). Submissions on Waratah draft EIS Galilee Coal Project China First V2 Mine Chapter 6 Terrestrial Ecology Biodiversity Values of Bimblebox nature refuge. A submission prepared by the Mackay Conservation Group to the Queensland Coordinator-General. Mitchell, D.F. (1996). Foraging Ecology of the Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta cincta. M.Sc. Thesis. Townsville: James Cook University of North Queensland.
Page 65 of 100 1368 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Heritage and University of Queensland. Queensland Department of Minerals and Energy, Mitchell, D.F. (1996). Foraging Ecology of the Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta cincta. Brisbane. M.Sc. Thesis. Townsville: James Cook University of North Queensland. DNRW (2006).The Desert Uplands. Land series. Department of Natural Resources and Water, Morgan, G. (1999). Desert Uplands. In Sattler, P. and Williams, R. (Eds.) The Conservation Brisbane. Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Ellis, W.A.H., A. Melzer, B. Green, K. Newgrain, M.A. Hindell, and F.N. Carrick (1995). Seasonal Variation in Water Flux, Field Metaboloic Rate and Food Consumption of Free- Morgan, G., Lorimer, M., Morrison, A., and Kutt, A. (2002). The Conservation of Biodiversity in ranging Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Journal of Zoology, 43: pp. 59-68. the Desert Uplands. Queensland Environment Protection Agency, Townsville. Ellis, W.A.H., A. Melzer, F.N. Carrick & M. Hasegawa (2002). Tree use, diet and home range of NRA (2006) Black-throated Finch Survey and Habitat Assessment: Rocky Springs. Report the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) at Blair Athol, central Queensland. Wildlife Research. prepared for Townsville City Council. 29:303-311. NSW DECC (2005). Black-throated Finch (southern subspecies) - profile. NSW Department of EPA (2002). Biodiversity Audit – Bioregional Case Study. Desert Uplands bioregion, Environment, Climate Change and Water. Queensland. Report prepared by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for the National NSW NPWS (1999). Black-throated Finch (southern subspecies) Threatened Species Land and Water Audit. Information. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. EPA (2007). Flora and Fauna Assessment of “Lambton Meadows”. A report prepared by the QPWS (2000). Fauna species recorded in Eucalypt woodland in and directly adjacent to Biodiversity Sciences Unit, Environment Protection Agency, Brisbane. Lambton Meadows. A species list compiled by David Hannah, QPWS, Emerald. Garnett, S.T., and Crowley, G.M. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000. QPWS (2001). Species Management Profile, Species Management Manual Vol. 2. Queensland Environment Australia and Birds Australia, Canberra. Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Management, Brisbane. Garnett, S.T., Szabo, J.J., and Dutson, G. (2010). The action plan for AUSTRALIAN BIRDS Reardon, T., Adams, M., McKenzie, N. and Jenkins, P. (2008). A new species of Australian 2010. CSIRP Publishing, Collingwood. freetail bat Mormopterus eleryi sp. nov. (Chiroptera: Molossidae) and a taxonomic reappraisal Geering, A., Agnew, L. and Harding, S. (2007) Shorebirds of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, of M. norfolkensis (Gray). Zootaxa 1875: 1-31. Collingwood. Richardson, R. (2006). Queensland Brigalow Belt Reptile Recovery Plan 2008 – 2012. Report GHD (2010). Appendix F2 Terrestrial Ecology Report for Proposed Alpha Rail EIS. A report to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. WWF-Australia, prepared by GHD for Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. Brisbane. Higgins, P.J., J.M. Peter & S.J. Cowling, eds. (2006).Boatbill to Starlings. In: Handbook of Sattler, P.S. and Williams, R. D. (eds) (1999). The Conservation Status of Queensland’s Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. 7. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Bioregional Ecosystems. Queensland Environmental Agency, Brisbane. Hill, B. & S. Ward (2010). National Recovery Plan For the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus.. Schodde, R., and Mason, I.J. (1999). The directory of Australian birds: passerines. CSIRO Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Northern Territory. Publishing, Collingwood. Immelmann, K. (1982). Australian Finches in Bush and Aviary. Sydney: Angus & Robertson. SEWPaC (2011a). Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened reptiles. Guidelines for detecting reptiles listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Ingram, G.I., Natrass, A.E.O. and Czechura, G.V. (1993). Common names for Queensland Conservation Act 1999. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and frogs. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 33(1); 221-244. Brisbane. Communities, Canberra. Kingsford, R.T. and Norman F.I. (2002). Australian waterbirds – products of the continent’s SEWPaC (2011b). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Draft ecology. Emu, 102, pp. 47-69. Referral guidelines for the nationally listed Brigalow Belt reptiles. Department of Sustainability, Kutt, A.S. (1999). Vertebrate fauna survey of the desert uplands bioregion: interim final report Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. (data). ACTFR report no. 99/21. Prepared for the Australian heritage Commission. SEWPaC (2012a). Poephila cincta cincta in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department Ley, A.J. & S.M. Cook (2001). The Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta in New South Wales. of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Australian Bird Watcher. 19:115-20. SEWPaC (2012b). Paradelma orientalis in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) (1990). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Antarctic Birds. Volume I Ratites to Ducks Part B Australian Pelican to Duck. Oxford University SEWPaC (2012c). Egernia rugosa in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of Press, South Melbourne. Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. MCG (2011). Submissions on Waratah draft EIS Galilee Coal Project China First V2 Mine SEWPaC (2012d). Dasyurus hallucatus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department Chapter 6 Terrestrial Ecology Biodiversity Values of Bimblebox nature refuge. A submission of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. prepared by the Mackay Conservation Group to the Queensland Coordinator-General. Specht, R.L. (1970). Vegetation. In: The Australian Environment. G.W. Leeper. Melbourne, Mitchell, D.F. (1996). Foraging Ecology of the Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta cincta. CSIRO and Melbourne University Press: 44-64. M.Sc. Thesis. Townsville: James Cook University of North Queensland. Stewart, D. (1998). Nocturnal Bird & Mammal Calls of North-east New South Wales. Nature Sound, Mullumbimby.
Page 65 of 100 Page 66 of 100 1369 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Storr, G.M. (1984). Revised List of Queensland Birds. Supplement No. 19. Records of the West Australian Museum. TEC (2007). Impacts of Longwall Coal Mining on the Environment in New South Wales. Total Environment Centre, Sydney South. Triggs, B. (2004). Tracks, Scats and Other Traces: a Field Guide to Australian Mammals. Oxford University Press, Sydney. TSSC (2005). Southern Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta cincta). Advice to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) on Amendments to the list of Threatened Species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Unidel (2011a).Waratah Coal China First Project Mine site terrestrial flora and fauna assessment. A report prepared by the Unidel Group for Watatah Coal Pty Ltd. Unidel (2011b).Waratah Coal China First Rail Corridor Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Report. A report prepared by the Unidel Group for Waratah Coal Pty Ltd. Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia. 3rd Edition. Australian Museum and Reed new Hollansd, Sydney, Australia. Wetlands International (2006). Waterbird Population Estimates 4th Edition. Delany, S., and Scott, D. (eds). Wetland International, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Wilson, B.A., Neldner, V.J. and Accad, A. (2002). The extent and status of remnant vegetation in Queensland and its implications for statewide vegetation management and legislation. Rangelands Journal 24(1), 6-35. Wilson, S. (2009). A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Woinarski, J.C.Z., M. Oakwood, J. Winter, S. Burnett, D. Milne, P. Foster, H. Myles & B. Holmes (2008). Surviving the toads: patterns of persistence of the northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus in Queensland. Report submitted to the Natural Heritage Trust Strategic Reserve Program. WorleyParsons (2009). Flora and Fauna Survey Report – EPC 1040 Glen Innes, Central Queensland. A report prepared by WorleyParsons for Waratah Coal. Zann, R. (1976). Distribution, status and breeding of Black-throated Finches Poephila cincta in northern Queensland. Emu. 76:201-206.
Page 67 of 100 1370 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Storr, G.M. (1984). Revised List of Queensland Birds. Supplement No. 19. Records of the Attachment A Survey Site Habitat Descriptions West Australian Museum. TEC (2007). Impacts of Longwall Coal Mining on the Environment in New South Wales. Total Environment Centre, Sydney South. Survey Site Habitat Description Triggs, B. (2004). Tracks, Scats and Other Traces: a Field Guide to Australian Mammals. This site was located within mixed eucalypt woodland and Triodia grassland in the north- Oxford University Press, Sydney. west sector of Lambton Meadows, to the near east of Cavendish Road. The following provides a summary description of the relevant habitat features and condition: TSSC (2005). Southern Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta cincta). Advice to the Minister Mixed eucalypt woodland and Triodia grassland on sand plain with deep, red sandy for the Environment and Heritage from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) on loam. Soil surface hard in open grassland with minor development of a biological soil crust. Woodland canopy dominated by ironbark eucalypt and bloodwood species with Amendments to the list of Threatened Species under the Environment Protection and few hollow-bearing trees. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Mid-dense shrub layer dominated by quinine bush (Petalostigma pubescens) and Carissa sp. (to around 1.5 m) with sparse to mid-dense cover of kangaroo grass Unidel (2011a).Waratah Coal China First Project Mine site terrestrial flora and fauna (Themeda triandra) and bunch spear grass (Heteropogon contortus). assessment. A report prepared by the Unidel Group for Watatah Coal Pty Ltd. Shrub and grass cover regenerating after recent fire (i.e., fire within the last six Survey Site 1 months). Intervening areas of open grassland dominated by low spinifex (Triodia sp.) Unidel (2011b).Waratah Coal China First Rail Corridor Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Report. A 56 J 508094 7034920 regrowth (to around 20 cm in height) with wiregrass (Aristida spp.) and silkyhead report prepared by the Unidel Group for Waratah Coal Pty Ltd. (Cymbopogon sp. cf. obtectus) also present. Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia. 3rd Edition. Australian Local area subject only to light grazing at present. There is evidence of recent fire (i.e., fire in the last 6-12 months) with fire scarring of trees and shrubs to 1.5 m, charred or Museum and Reed new Hollansd, Sydney, Australia. partially incinerated woody debris, and burnt grass tussocks. Most of the site and surrounding area burnt with only small patches of unburnt Triodia left. Shrub and Wetlands International (2006). Waterbird Population Estimates 4th Edition. Delany, S., and grass layer regenerating well after fire. Scott, D. (eds). Wetland International, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Ground mostly bare, with only limited accumulation of leaf litter, and mainly under Wilson, B.A., Neldner, V.J. and Accad, A. (2002). The extent and status of remnant vegetation canopy trees. Coarse woody debris scarce as well. Remaining woody debris charred and, for the most part, firmly affixed to the ground. Ants and termites abundant with in Queensland and its implications for statewide vegetation management and legislation. ant burrows common across much of site. Fissures and cracks in standing trees Rangelands Journal 24(1), 6-35. mostly filled with sand (due to termites). Very few, if any, flowering trees or shrubs.
Wilson, S. (2009). A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland. Reed New Holland, Sydney. This site was located within open eucalypt woodland with thick understory of shrubs on the western side of Lambton Meadows, south of powerline easement crossing Cavendish Woinarski, J.C.Z., M. Oakwood, J. Winter, S. Burnett, D. Milne, P. Foster, H. Myles & B. Holmes Road. A summary description of the relevant habitat features and condition is as follows: (2008). Surviving the toads: patterns of persistence of the northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus in Open woodland with dense shrubby understory on sand plain with deep, red sandy Queensland. Report submitted to the Natural Heritage Trust Strategic Reserve Program. loam. Woodland canopy dominated by yellow jacket (Eucalyptus assimilis) and bloodwood (Corymbia sp.) with very few hollow-bearing trees. WorleyParsons (2009). Flora and Fauna Survey Report – EPC 1040 Glen Innes, Central Sparse low tree layer consisting mainly of budgeroo (Lysicarpus angustifolius), red ash Queensland. A report prepared by WorleyParsons for Waratah Coal. (Alphitonia excelsa) and quinine bush (Petaolstigma pubescens). A dense shrub layer comprising mostly Acacia spp. present as well. Zann, R. (1976). Distribution, status and breeding of Black-throated Finches Poephila cincta in Survey Site 2 Low sparse grass cover with spinifex (Triodia sp.) dominating in more open areas. northern Queensland. Emu. 76:201-206. 55 K 437933 7414762 Reasonable cover of leaf litter and other fine organic debris (with leaf litter to ~3 cm deep) under canopy trees. Coarse woody debris scarce. Part of this site recently burnt (i.e., burnt in the last six months) leaving behind the blackened stems of Acacias killed by fire. Coarse woody debris scarce and charred or partially-incinerated in areas affected by fire. Evidence of previous (older) fire within ‘unburnt’ area as well, with charred woody debris and charcoal under thick leaf litter. Spinifex recovering well after fire with little evidence of recent grazing. Ants and termites abundant, but less so than survey site 1. Limited flowering/fruiting of understory tress/shrubs (in particular Acacia spp and A. excelsa), but little or no flowering of canopy trees.
This site was located within low shrubland in far north-west corner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. The following provides a summary description of the relevant habitat features and condition: Low open shrubland (to ~ 3 m) on sand plain with deep, light reddish-brown loam. Canopy dominated by Acacia spp. with small-leaved Melaleuca sp. and mallee also present. Dense lower shrub layer of myrtle heath (to ~0.5 m). Survey Site 3 Sparse to mid-dense grass cover dominated by Schizachyrium sp. Significant 55 K 424025 7405973 amounts of dry matted grass, brush and leaf litter in areas of dense shrub and/or grass cover. Where shrub/grass cover sparse, ground bare, with sparse cover of forbes (including Goodenia sp.). Virtually no coarse woody debris. Currently subject to light grazing only. Previously pulled and burnt, but no evidence of recent fire (i.e., no fire in the last 24 months). Little or no flowering of tree or shrub species (except for the occasional Acacia sp.).
Page 67 of 100 Page 68 of 100 1371 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Survey Site Habitat Description
This site was located within ironbark woodland within the northern sector of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, and to the south of powerline easement. A summary description of the relevant habitat features and condition is as follows: Silver-leaved ironbark (E. melanophloia) woodland on sand plain with deep, light reddish-brown loam. Soil surface hard with minor development of a biological crust where ground cover scarce. Hollow-bearing trees (living or dead) generally scarce. Sparse shrub layer of Carissa sp. (to ~ 1 m) with scattered dead finish (Archidendropsis basaltica) as well. Mid-dense to sparse grass cover with Triodia dominant or co-dominant with wire grass Survey Site 4 (Aristida spp.) and bluegrass (Bothriochloa sp.). Silky browntop (Eualia aurea) growing 55 K 423204 7404499 up through Carissa sp with woodland lovegrass (Eragrotis soriora) common in areas with sparser ground cover. Scattered areas with low, cropped buffel grass (Cenchurus ciliaris) as well. Currently subject to light grazing only. No evidence of recent fire, though some evidence of fire in the not-too-distant past (i.e., fire scarred trees and charred woody debris). Significant amount of fallen timber and other coarse woody debris (including shed bark) in some parts of this site. Very little leaf litter, but reasonable cover of dead grass in better-vegetated areas. Very few flowering trees or shrubs (other than single flowering Corymbia). Ants and termites common with numerous low termite mounds.
This site was located within remnant brigalow woodland along eastern boundary of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. The following provides a summary decription of the relevant habitat features and condition: Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) woodland with poplar box (E. populnea) woodland surrounds on hardened grey-brown clay soil. Moderate development of biological crust in areas with little or no ground cover. Sparse shrub layer comprising mainly low Survey Site 5 Carissa sp. with sparse to dense cover of buffel grass throughout. Numerous hollow- 55 K 433494 7411703 bearing trees in surrounding poplar box woodland, though none within the brigalow woodland itself. Coarse woody debris (fallen timber and shed bark) abundant in some areas, scarce in others. Currently subject to low-moderate intensity grazing. No evidence of recent fire. Accumulation of mostly shallow leaf litter around trees, where buffel scarce or absent. Very few, if any, flowering trees or shrubs. This site was located within mixed eucalypt woodland in the south-east corner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. A summary description of the relevant habitat features and condition is as follows: Mixed E. melanophloia / poplar box (E. populnea) woodland and Triodia grassland on sand plain with deep, light brown loam. Canopy dominated by E. melanophloia. Tree-hollows not uncommon; present in larger living E. melanophloia and E. populnea. Survey Site 6 Small tree/shrub layer (2-5 m) including Carissa sp., Acacia spp., Eremophila spp. and 55 K 440738 7407434 myrtle (Psydrax sp.). Mid-dense to sparse grass cover comprising mostly Triodia interspersed with patches of buffel grass. In open areas, soil surface hard with minor development of a biological crust. No evidence of recent fire and little evidence of grazing. Coarse woody debris generally scarce with mostly shallow leaf litter under trees and shrubs. Very few flowering trees or shrubs. Low abundance of termite mounds.
Page 69 of 100 1372 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Survey Site Habitat Description
This site was located within ironbark woodland within the northern sector of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, and to the south of powerline easement. A summary description of the relevant habitat features and condition is as follows: Silver-leaved ironbark (E. melanophloia) woodland on sand plain with deep, light reddish-brown loam. Soil surface hard with minor development of a biological crust where ground cover scarce. Hollow-bearing trees (living or dead) generally scarce. Sparse shrub layer of Carissa sp. (to ~ 1 m) with scattered dead finish (Archidendropsis basaltica) as well. Mid-dense to sparse grass cover with Triodia dominant or co-dominant with wire grass Survey Site 4 (Aristida spp.) and bluegrass (Bothriochloa sp.). Silky browntop (Eualia aurea) growing 55 K 423204 7404499 up through Carissa sp with woodland lovegrass (Eragrotis soriora) common in areas with sparser ground cover. Scattered areas with low, cropped buffel grass (Cenchurus ciliaris) as well. Currently subject to light grazing only. No evidence of recent fire, though some evidence of fire in the not-too-distant past (i.e., fire scarred trees and charred woody debris). Significant amount of fallen timber and other coarse woody debris (including shed bark) in some parts of this site. Very little leaf litter, but reasonable cover of dead grass in better-vegetated areas. Very few flowering trees or shrubs (other than single flowering Corymbia). Ants and termites common with numerous low termite mounds.
This site was located within remnant brigalow woodland along eastern boundary of the Habitats Bimblebox Nature Refuge. The following provides a summary decription of the relevant habitat features and condition: Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) woodland with poplar box (E. populnea) woodland surrounds on hardened grey-brown clay soil. Moderate development of biological crust in areas with little or no ground cover. Sparse shrub layer comprising mainly low Survey Site 5 Carissa sp. with sparse to dense cover of buffel grass throughout. Numerous hollow- 55 K 433494 7411703 bearing trees in surrounding poplar box woodland, though none within the brigalow woodland itself. Coarse woody debris (fallen timber and shed bark) abundant in some areas, scarce in others. Currently subject to low-moderate intensity grazing. No evidence of recent fire. Accumulation of mostly shallow leaf litter around trees, where buffel scarce or absent. Very few, if any, flowering trees or shrubs.
This site was located within mixed eucalypt woodland in the south-east corner of the Site 2 2012 Survey Bimblebox Nature Refuge. A summary description of the relevant habitat features and Photographs of Fauna
condition is as follows: Site 1 2012 Survey April April Mixed E. melanophloia / poplar box (E. populnea) woodland and Triodia grassland on sand plain with deep, light brown loam. Canopy dominated by E. melanophloia. B Tree-hollows not uncommon; present in larger living E. melanophloia and E. populnea. Survey Site 6 Small tree/shrub layer (2-5 m) including Carissa sp., Acacia spp., Eremophila spp. and 55 K 440738 7407434 myrtle (Psydrax sp.). Mid-dense to sparse grass cover comprising mostly Triodia interspersed with patches of buffel grass. In open areas, soil surface hard with minor development of a biological crust.
No evidence of recent fire and little evidence of grazing. Coarse woody debris 100 Attachment generally scarce with mostly shallow leaf litter under trees and shrubs. Very few of flowering trees or shrubs. Low abundance of termite mounds. 70 Page
Page 69 of 100 1373 April 2012 Survey Site 3 1374 | COAL WARATAH Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013
April 2012 Survey Site 4
.
Page 71 of 100 April 2012 Survey Site 3
April 2012 Survey Site 4
.
Page 71 of 100
April 2012 Survey Site 5
April 2012 Survey Site 5 pedcs |Appendices Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna 1375
Page 72 of 100 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 1 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 2 1376 | COAL WARATAH Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 3 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 45
Page 73 of 100 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 1 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 2
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 3 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 45
Page 73 of 100
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 38 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 40
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 41 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 42 pedcs |Appendices Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna 1377
Page 74 of 100 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 7 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 11 1378 | COAL WARATAH Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 13 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 14
Page 75 of 100 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 7 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 11
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 13 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 14
Page 75 of 100
October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 46 October 2011 Water Body Survey Site 47 pedcs |Appendices Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna 1379
Page 76 of 100 Spring Creek area – north-western corner of Study Site 1380 | COAL WARATAH Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013
Above left –view from Mt Belmont looking north over waterbody where Freckled Duck and Black-necked Stork were recorded. Distant low rise on right-hand side of view shows general location of Brigalow Scaly-foot record site. Above right – habitat where Brigalow Scaly-foot was recorded. Below – Mt Belmont supports RE 10.7.5, rocky slopes and cavernous habitat suitable for several of the threatened reptiles surveyd for in the Spring Creek area.
Page 77 of 100 Spring Creek area – north-western corner of Study Site
Above left –view from Mt Belmont looking north over waterbody where Freckled Duck and Black-necked Stork were recorded. Distant low rise on right-hand side of view shows general location of Brigalow Scaly-foot record site. Above right – habitat where Brigalow Scaly-foot was recorded. Below – Mt Belmont supports RE 10.7.5, rocky slopes and cavernous habitat suitable for several of the threatened reptiles surveyd for in the Spring Creek area.
Page 77 of 100
Spring Creek area – north-western corner of Study Site
Habitats to the west of Mt Belmont. This area supports rugged sandstone landscapes which are potentially suitable for several threatened fauna targeted in the survey program. Evidence of the impact of a hot fire (October 2011) was widespread. It is understood that the area is subject to a fire about every five years. pedcs |Appendices Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna 1381
Page 78 of 100 1382 | COAL WARATAH Galilee Coal Project Coal Galilee | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013
A total of 62 person days were spent during surveying Black-throated Finch (southern) and their nests (May 2011 to March 2012). No evidence of BTF or their nests were detected. The Double-bar Finch was the most regularly encountered of the three grassfinches recorded on the study site (including Zebra Finch and Plum-headed Finch). A total of 188 grassfinch nests were located during the survey program of which 67% were attributable to the Double-barred Finch.
Page 79 of 100 A total of 62 person days were spent during surveying Black-throated Finch (southern) and their nests (May 2011 to March 2012). No evidence of BTF or their nests were detected. The Double-bar Finch was the most regularly encountered of the three grassfinches recorded on the study site (including Zebra Finch and Plum-headed Finch). A total of 188 grassfinch nests were located during the survey program of which 67% were attributable to the Double-barred Finch.
Page 79 of 100 Cracticus nigrogularis Corvus Coracina papuensis Coracina novaehollandiae Colluricincla harmonica Climacteris picumnus Chthonicola sagittata Artamus personatus Artamus minor Aprosmictus erythropterus Aegotheles Acanthiza nana Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Acanthagenys rufogularis Rhinella marina Platyplectrun ornatus Litoria rubella Litoria caerulea Limnodynastes terraereginae Cyclorana Varanus tristis Strophurus williamsi Parasuta dwyeri Oedura rhombifer Oedura monilis Nephrurus asper Morethia taeniopleura Morethia boulengeri Menetia greyii Lerista fragilis Heteronotia Gehyra dubia Gehyra dubia Diporiphora australis Diplodactylus vittatus Ctenotus taeniolatus Ctenotus robustus Ctenotus pantherinus Ctenotus leonhardii Ctenotus ingrami Ctenotous sp. Ctenophorus nuchalis Crytophis Cryptoblepharus pannosus Carlia sp. Carlia pectoralis Carlia munda Amphibolurus nobbi Trichosurus vulpecula Sminthopsis macroura Saccolaimus flaviventris Pseudomys desertor Petaurus breviceps Mus musculus Aepyprymnus rufescens Attachment orru boshmai novaehollandiae cristatus binoei C Summary of Survey Species Site Richness Results Pied Butcherbird Torresian Crow White Black Grey Shrike Brown Treecreeper Speckled Warbler Masked Woodswallow Little Woodswallow Red Australian Owlet Yellow Thornbill Yellow Spiny Cane Toad Ornate Naked Treefrog Green Treefrog Scarlet Eastern Snapping Black Soft Hooded Snake Ocellated Velvet Gecko Knob Prickly Fire Bynoe’s Gecko Gecko Wood Copper Leopard Ctenotus Central Netted Dragon Carpentaria Snake Nobbi Possum Brushtail Common Stripe Yellow Desert Mouse Sugar Glider House Mouse Rufous Bettong - - - tailed Skink spined Gecko winged Parrot - - - - - tailed Monitor faced Cuckoo cheeked Honeyeater bellied Cuckoo - - faced Dunnart - bellied Sheathtailbellied rumped Thornbill - Burrowing sided Pobblebonk Page tailed Skink - - thrush tailed Gecko 80 - of nightjar - - Frog Frog 100 - shrike - shrike - bat Site 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 pedcs |Appendices Site 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Site 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna Site 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Site 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Site 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Totals 1383 4 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 3 5 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 4 4 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Site Site Site Site Site Site Totals 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1 3 Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird 1 1 1 3 Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu 1 1 Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 2 Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove 1 1 Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove 1 1 2 Gerygone fusca White-throated Gerygone 1 1 Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie 1 1 2 Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater 1 1 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 1 1 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1 1 1 3 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 5 Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 1 1 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 1 1 1 1 4 Malurus leucopterus Red-backed Fairy-wren 1 1 2 Melanodyras cullata Hooded Robin 1 1 Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter 1 1 2 Oreocia gutturalis Crested Bellbird 1 1 2 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 1 1 1 1 5 Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1 1 Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 1 1 2 Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird 1 1 1 1 4 Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella 1 1 1 3 Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater 1 1 1 3 Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 1 1 2 Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail 1 1 1 1 4 Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch 1 1 1 3 Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet 1 1 2 Turnix velox Little Button-quail 1 1 2 Tyto alba Eastern Barn Owl 1 1 Totals 32 24 22 34 33 46
1384
Page 81 of 100 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Site Site Site Site Site Site Totals 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1 3 Attachment D Results for the Standardised Site-based Trapping Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird 1 1 1 3 Program Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu 1 1 Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 2 Totals Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove 1 1 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove 1 1 2 Mus musculus House Mouse 5 5 Gerygone fusca White-throated Gerygone 1 1 Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse 4 6 1 11 Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie 1 1 2 Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater 1 1 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 1 1 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 1 1 Varanus tristis Black-tailed Monitor 1 1 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1 1 1 3 Diporiphora australis 3 2 1 1 7 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 5 Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi 2 3 5 Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 1 1 Strophurus williamsi Soft-spined Gecko 1 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 1 1 1 1 4 1 Malurus leucopterus Red-backed Fairy-wren 1 1 2 Diplodactylus vittatus Wood Gecko 1 Melanodyras cullata Hooded Robin 1 1 Cryptoblepharus pannosus 1 1 Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter 1 1 2 Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Skink 1 1 Oreocia gutturalis Crested Bellbird 1 1 2 Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus 2 2 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 1 1 1 1 5 Ctenotus robustus 1 1 Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1 1 Carlia pectoralis 1 1 Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 1 1 2 Carlia munda 2 2 1 5 Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird 1 1 1 1 4 Lerista fragilis 1 1 Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella 1 1 1 3 Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater 1 1 1 3 Menetia greyii 1 1 2 Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 1 1 2 Morethia taeniopleura Fire-tailed Skink 2 2 Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail 1 1 1 1 4 Litoria rubella Naked Treefrog 1 1 Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Platyplectrun ornatus Ornate Burrowing-Frog 1 1 2 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch 1 1 1 3 Rhinella marina Cane Toad 3 2 6 11 Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet 1 1 2 Totals 7 12 10 7 12 14 61 Turnix velox Little Button-quail 1 1 2 Tyto alba Eastern Barn Owl 1 1 Totals 32 24 22 34 33 46
Page 82 of 100 1385
Page 81 of 100 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Attachment E Standardised Site-based Diurnal Ground Search Results
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Totals Menetia greyii 1 1 1 1 4 Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi 1 4 6 11 Gehyra dubia 1 1 2 Carlia munda 2 7 1 1 11 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe’s Gecko 2 10 12 Cryptoblepharus pannosus 4 4 Morethia boulengeri 1 1 Ctenotus ingrami 1 1 Carlia sp. 1 1 1 3 Ctenotus leonhardii 1 1 Ctenotous sp. 1 1 2 Nephrurus asper Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko 1 1 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon 2 3 1 6 Totals 6 10 2 15 12 14 59
Attachment F Standardised Site-based Nocturnal Survey Results
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Totals Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar 1 1 1 3 Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider 1 1 2 Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum 1 1 Tyto alba Eastern Barn Owl 1 1 Oedura rhombifer 2 2 Strophurus williamsi Soft-spined Gecko 1 1 1 3 Rhinella marina Cane Toad 1 1 1 2 5 Limnodynastes Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk 1 1 terraereginae Cyclorana Eastern Snapping-Frog 1 1 novaehollandiae Gehyra dubia 1 6 2 9 Oedura monilis Ocellated Velvet Gecko 1 1 Crytophis boshmai Carpentaria Snake 1 1 Litoria caerulea Green Treefrog 5 5 Nephrurus asper Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko 1 1 Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous Bettong 1 1 Parasuta dwyeri Hooded Snake 1 1 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- Saccolaimus flaviventris 1 1 2 bat Totals 7 2 5 3 16 7 40
Page 83 of 100 1386 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Attachment E Standardised Site-based Diurnal Ground Search Attachment G Results for the Standardised Site-based Bird Results Surveys
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Totals Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Totals Menetia greyii 1 1 1 1 4 Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella 1 2 3 6 Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi 1 4 6 11 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 3 3 1 6 7 9 29 Gehyra dubia 1 1 2 Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie 2 3 5 Carlia munda 2 7 1 1 11 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 1 3 1 1 6 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe’s Gecko 2 10 12 Corvus orru Torresian Crow 1 1 1 3 Cryptoblepharus pannosus 4 4 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 3 7 1 11 Morethia boulengeri 1 1 Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater 2 2 6 10 Ctenotus ingrami 1 1 Oreocia gutturalis Crested Bellbird 2 1 3 Carlia sp. 1 1 1 3 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 3 2 3 8 Ctenotus leonhardii 1 1 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 9 1 1 21 2 11 45 Ctenotous sp. 1 1 2 Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 3 5 6 1 3 18 Nephrurus asper Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko 1 1 Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird 1 2 1 3 7 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon 2 3 1 6 Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 5 3 8 Totals 6 10 2 15 12 14 59 Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill 4 4 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 3 5 5 13 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 1 1 4 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 6 5 2 2 6 21 Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 3 4 2 9 Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail 3 2 1 5 11 Attachment F Standardised Site-based Nocturnal Survey Results Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 2 1 1 1 1 2 8 Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird 1 6 8 15 Turnix velox Little Button-quail Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Totals 1 2 3 Melanodyras cullata Hooded Robin Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar 1 1 1 3 3 3 Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider 1 1 2 2 2 4 8 Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum 1 1 1 1 2 Malurus leucopterus Red-backed Fairy-wren Tyto alba Eastern Barn Owl 1 1 2 3 5 Falco berigora Brown Falcon Oedura rhombifer 2 2 1 1 2 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren Strophurus williamsi Soft-spined Gecko 1 1 1 3 4 4 3 1 12 Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Rhinella marina Cane Toad 1 1 1 2 5 12 7 19 Limnodynastes Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow 1 1 Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk 1 1 terraereginae Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 3 3 Cyclorana Aprosmictus erythropterus Red-winged Parrot Eastern Snapping-Frog 1 1 1 1 novaehollandiae Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill 11 11 Gehyra dubia 1 6 2 9 Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove 1 2 3 Oedura monilis Ocellated Velvet Gecko 1 1 Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove 1 1 Crytophis boshmai Carpentaria Snake 1 1 Gerygone fusca White-throated Gerygone 1 1 Litoria caerulea Green Treefrog 5 5 Artamus minor Little Woodswallow 2 1 1 4 Nephrurus asper Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko 1 1 Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater 1 1 Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous Bettong 1 1 Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler 1 1 Parasuta dwyeri Hooded Snake 1 1 Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter 1 1 2 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- Saccolaimus flaviventris 1 1 2 Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 1 1 bat Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper 1 1 Totals 7 2 5 3 16 7 40 Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu 1 1 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 5 5 Coracina papuensis White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike 1 1 Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1 1 Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 1 1 2 Totals 47 37 37 80 38 100 339
Page 83 of 100 Page 84 of 100 1387 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Attachment H Mammal Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. # = introduced species.
Column 2 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site).
Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010).
Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999).
Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006).
Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)).
Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010).
Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012).
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DASYURIDAE Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E 1 Planigale maculata Common Planigale 1 Planigale tenuirostris Narrow-nosed Planigale 1 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 1 1 1 1 1 Sminthopsis murina Common Dunnart 1 1 1 PHASCOLARCTIDAE Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V 1 1 1 1 1 ACROBATIDAE Acrobates pygmaeus Feathertail Glider PETAURIDAE Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider 1 1 1 1 1 Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider 1 PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE Petauroides volans Greater Glider 1 PHALANGERIDAE Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum 1 1 1 1 POTOROIDAE Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous Bettong 1 1 1 1 1 MACROPODIDAE Lagorchestes conspicillatus Spectacled Hare-wallaby 1 1 1 1 1 Macropus dorsalis Black Striped Wallaby Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Macropus r. robustus Euro 1 1 1 1 1 1 Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Petrogale herberti Herbert’s Rock-wallaby 1 Wallabia rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby 1 Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby 1 1 1 1 PTEROPODIDAE Pteropus scapulatus Little Red Flying-fox 1 1 RHINOLOPHIDAE Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe-bat 1
Page 85 of 100 1388 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Attachment H Mammal Species Database for the Study Site and Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Surrounding Area EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry Taphozous troughtoni Troughton's Sheathtail-bat 1 1 1 lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. MOLOSSIDAE # = introduced species. Austronomus australis White-striped Freetail-bat 1 1 1 1 1 1 Column 2 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site). Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat 1 1 1 Mormopterus eleryi 1 Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010). Mormopterus beccarii Beccari’s Freetail-bat 1 1 1 1 Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail-bat 1 1 1 Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999). Mormopterus sp. a Freetail-bat 1 Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006). VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat 1 1 1 1 1 1 Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 1 1 1 1 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)). Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat nt 1 1 Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010). Nyctophilus bifax Northern Long-eared Bat 1 Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat 1 Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012). Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s Long-eared Bat 1 Nyctophilus sp. unknown Long-eared Bat 1 1 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 1 1 1 1 Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 1 1 1 1 1 1 TACHYGLOSSIDAE Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat 1 1 1 Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Vespadelus pumilis Inland Cave Bat 1 DASYURIDAE Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 1 Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 1 1 Planigale maculata Common Planigale 1 Vespadelus sp. a Forest Bat 1 Planigale tenuirostris Narrow-nosed Planigale 1 MURIDAE Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 1 1 1 1 1 Leggadina forresti Forest’s Mouse 1 1 Sminthopsis murina Common Dunnart 1 1 1 Mus musculus House Mouse # 1 1 1 1 1 1 PHASCOLARCTIDAE Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse 1 1 1 1 Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V 1 1 1 1 1 Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse 1 1 1 1 1 ACROBATIDAE Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 1 1 Acrobates pygmaeus Feathertail Glider Pseudomys patrius Eastern Pebble-mound Mouse PETAURIDAE CANIDAE Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider 1 1 1 1 1 Canis familiaris Dog # 1 1 1 1 Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider 1 Canis lupus dingo Dingo 1 1 1 1 1 1 PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE Vulpes vulpes Fox # Petauroides volans Greater Glider 1 FELIDAE PHALANGERIDAE Felis catus Feral Cat # 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum 1 1 1 1 LEPORIDAE POTOROIDAE Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit # 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous Bettong 1 1 1 1 1 EQUIDAE MACROPODIDAE Equus asinus Donkey # Lagorchestes conspicillatus Spectacled Hare-wallaby 1 1 1 1 1 Equus caballus Brumby # Macropus dorsalis Black Striped Wallaby SUIDAE Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Sus scrofa Pig # 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Macropus r. robustus Euro 1 1 1 1 1 1 BOVIDAE Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Bos taurus Cattle # 1 1 1 1 Petrogale herberti Herbert’s Rock-wallaby 1 Capra hircus Goat # 1 Wallabia rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby 1 CERVIDAE Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby 1 1 1 1 Cervus elaphus Red Deer 1 PTEROPODIDAE Total Number of Species 43 36 15 15 24 30 29 Pteropus scapulatus Little Red Flying-fox 1 1 RHINOLOPHIDAE Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe-bat 1
Page 85 of 100 Page 86 of 100 1389 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Attachment I Reptile Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. # = introduced species.
Column 2 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site).
Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010).
Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999).
Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006).
Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)).
Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010).
Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012).
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 CHELODINA Chelodina longicollis Eastern Long-necked Tortoise 1 1 GEKKONIDAE Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Diplodactylus 1 1 1 1 1 1 Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko 1 Diplodactylus vittatus Wood Gecko 1 1 Gehyra catenata 1 1 1 Gehyra dubia 1 1 1 1 1 Hemidactylus frenatus Asian House Gecko # 1 1 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe’s Gecko 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lucasium steindachneri Steindachneri's Gecko 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Nephrurus asper Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko 1 1 1 1 Oedura monilis Ocellated Velvet Gecko 1 1 1 Oedura rhombifer 1 1 1 Rhynchoedura oranata Beaked Gecko 1 1 1 1 Strophurus williamsi Soft-spined Gecko 1 1 1 1 1 PYGOPODIDAE Delma tincta 1 Lialis burtonis Burton’s Snake-lizard 1 1 1 1 1 Paradelma orientalis Brigalow Scaly-foot Vv 1 Pygopus lepidopodus Common Scaly-foot 1 Pygopus schraderi Hooded Scaly-foot 1 AGAMIDAE Amphibolurus gilberti Gilbert's dragon 1 1 1 Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi 1 1 1 1 1 Chlamydosaurus kingii Frill-neck Lizard 1 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon 1 1 1 1 1 1 Diporiphora australis 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon 1 1 1 1 1 1 VARANIDAE Varanus gouldii Gould’s Goanna 1 1 Varanus tristis Black-tailed Monitor 1 1 1 1 1 SCINCIDAE Carlia foliorum 1 Carlia munda 1 1 1 1
Page 87 of 100 1390 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Attachment I Reptile Species Database for the Study Site and Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Surrounding Area Carlia pectoralis 1 1 1 Carlia schmeltzii 1 Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry 1 lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. Cryptoblepharus carnabyi sensu lato 1 1 1 # = introduced species. Cryptoblepharus pannosus 1 1 1 1 Cryptoblepharus virgatus sensu lato Wall Skink 1 1 1 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site). Column 2 Ctenotus capricorni nt 1 Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010). Ctenotus herbetoir 1 1 1 1 Ctenotus ingrami 1 1 Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999). Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ctenotus leonhardii 1 1 1 1 1 Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006). Ctenotus robustus 1 1 1 1 1 1 Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO Ctenotus strauchii 1 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)). Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Skink 1 1 Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink Vv 1 Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010). Egernia striolata Tree Skink 1 Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sand Swimmer 1 1 Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012). Eremiascincus fasciolatus Narrow-banded Sand Swimmer 1 Eulamprus tenuis 1 Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lerista fragilis 1 1 1 1 1 CHELODINA Lerista punctatovittata 1 1 1 Chelodina longicollis Eastern Long-necked Tortoise 1 1 Lerista timida 1 GEKKONIDAE Menetia timlowi 1 Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Diplodactylus 1 1 1 1 1 1 Menetia greyii 1 1 1 1 1 1 Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko 1 Morethia boulengeri 1 1 1 1 Diplodactylus vittatus Wood Gecko 1 1 Morethia taeniopleura Fire-tailed Skink 1 1 1 1 Gehyra catenata 1 1 1 Proablepharus tenuis 1 Gehyra dubia 1 1 1 1 1 Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard 1 1 1 1 1 Hemidactylus frenatus Asian House Gecko # 1 1 TYPHLOPIDAE Heteronotia binoei Bynoe’s Gecko 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ramphotyphlops ligatus 1 Lucasium steindachneri Steindachneri's Gecko 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ramphotyphlops unguirostris 1 Nephrurus asper Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko 1 1 1 1 BOIDAE Oedura monilis Ocellated Velvet Gecko 1 1 1 Antaresia maculosa Spotted Python 1 1 1 Oedura rhombifer 1 1 1 Aspidites melanocephalus Black-headed Python 1 1 1 1 Rhynchoedura oranata Beaked Gecko 1 1 1 1 COLUBRIDAE Strophurus williamsi Soft-spined Gecko 1 1 1 1 1 Boiga irregularis Brown Tree Snake 1 1 1 PYGOPODIDAE Dendrelaphis punctulata Common Tree Snake 1 1 Delma tincta 1 ELAPIDAE Lialis burtonis Burton’s Snake-lizard 1 1 1 1 1 Crytophis boshmai Carpentaria Snake 1 1 1 1 1 Paradelma orientalis Brigalow Scaly-foot Vv 1 Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whip Snake 1 1 1 1 Pygopus lepidopodus Common Scaly-foot 1 Furina ornata Orange-naped Snake 1 1 Pygopus schraderi Hooded Scaly-foot 1 Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Pale-headed Snake 1 1 1 1 1 AGAMIDAE Pseudechis australis King Brown Snake 1 1 Amphibolurus gilberti Gilbert's dragon 1 1 1 Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake 1 1 1 Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi 1 1 1 1 1 Brachurophis australis Coral Snake 1 1 1 Chlamydosaurus kingii Frill-neck Lizard 1 Parasuta dwyeri Hooded Snake 1 1 1 1 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon 1 1 1 1 1 1 Suta suta Myall Snake 1 1 1 1 Diporiphora australis 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total Number of Species 63 26 23 20 35 16 45 Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon 1 1 1 1 1 1 VARANIDAE Varanus gouldii Gould’s Goanna 1 1 Varanus tristis Black-tailed Monitor 1 1 1 1 1 SCINCIDAE Carlia foliorum 1 Carlia munda 1 1 1 1
Page 87 of 100 Page 88 of 100 1391 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Attachment J Amphibian Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. # = introduced species.
Column 2 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site).
Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010).
Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999).
Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006).
Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)).
Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010).
Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012).
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 HYLIDAE Cyclorana brevipes Superb Collared-Frog 1 1 Cyclorana novaehollandiae Eastern Snapping-Frog 1 1 1 1 Litoria alboguttata Greenstripe Frog 1 1 1 1 Litoria caerulea Green Treefrog 1 1 1 1 1 1 Litoria fallax Eastern Sedgefrog 1 Litoria inermis Bumpy Rocketfrog 1 1 1 1 1 Litoria latopalmata Broad-palmed Rocketfrog 1 1 Litoria rothii Red-eyed Treefrog 1 Litoria rubella Naked Treefrog 1 1 1 1 MYOBATRACHIDAE Crinia deserticola Chirping Froglet 1 Platyplectrun ornatus Ornate Burrowing-Frog 1 1 1 1 1 Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marshfrog 1 1 Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog 1 1 Limnodynastes terraereginae Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk 1 1 Notaden bennettii Holly Cross Frog 1 1 1 1 Neobatrachus sudelii Meowing Frog 1 Pseudophryne major Great Brown Broodfrog 1 1 1 Uperoleia rugosa Chubby Gungan 1 1 BUFONIDAE Rhinella marina Cane Toad # 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total Number of Species 15 9 7 2 10 6 9
Page 89 of 100 1392 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Attachment J Amphibian Species Database for the Study Site and Attachment K Bird Species Database for the Study Site and Surrounding Area Surrounding Area Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry Column 1 – Status - E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened (EPBCA entry capitalised; NCA entry lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. lower case). Species without entries in ‘Status’ column are listed as Least Concern under the NCA. # = introduced species. # = introduced species.
Column 2 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site). Column 2 - Surounding Area - 2012 DERM Wildlife Online Records (within 75km of Galilee Coal Project site).
Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010). Column 3 – Alpha South Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (AARC 2008 - 2010).
Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999). Column 4 - Glenn Innes, Monklands, & Lambton Meadows Survey Records (DERM 1998-1999).
Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006). Column 5 - Lambton Meadows - 2007 QEPA Survey Records (Landscape Ecology Unit; 2006).
Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO Column 6 - Bimblebox Nature Refuge Survey Records (DERM 2012 compilation of the following sources: CSIRO 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)). 2003-2007; Birds Australia 2003-2011; DERM Wildnet data; & DERM Nature Refuge Branch 2011)).
Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010). Column 7 - Galilee Coal Project - 2010 EIS Survey Records (Worley Parsons 2009 & Unidel 2008 - 2010).
Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012). Column 8 - Galilee Coal Project - 2012 Supplementary EIS Survey Records (Austecology 2011 - 2012).
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 HYLIDAE CASUARIIDAE Cyclorana brevipes Superb Collared-Frog 1 1 Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cyclorana novaehollandiae Eastern Snapping-Frog 1 1 1 1 PHASIANIDAE Litoria alboguttata Greenstripe Frog 1 1 1 1 Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail 1 Litoria caerulea Green Treefrog 1 1 1 1 1 1 Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail 1 1 1 1 1 Litoria fallax Eastern Sedgefrog 1 ANATIDAE Litoria inermis Bumpy Rocketfrog 1 1 1 1 1 Anas gracilis Grey Teal 1 1 1 1 1 1 Litoria latopalmata Broad-palmed Rocketfrog 1 1 Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck 1 1 1 1 1 Litoria rothii Red-eyed Treefrog 1 Aythya australis Hardhead 1 1 1 1 Litoria rubella Naked Treefrog 1 1 1 1 Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck 1 1 1 1 1 1 MYOBATRACHIDAE Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck 1 Crinia deserticola Chirping Froglet 1 Cygnus atratus Black Swan 1 1 Platyplectrun ornatus Ornate Burrowing-Frog 1 1 1 1 1 Dendrocygna arcuata Wandering Whistling-Duck 1 1 Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marshfrog 1 1 Dendrocygna eytoni Plumed Whistling-Duck 1 1 1 1 Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog 1 1 Nettapus coromandelianus Cotton Pygmy Goose nt 1 Limnodynastes terraereginae Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk 1 1 Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck nt 1 Notaden bennettii Holly Cross Frog 1 1 1 1 Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler 1 Neobatrachus sudelii Meowing Frog 1 PODICIPEDIDAE Pseudophryne major Great Brown Broodfrog 1 1 1 Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe 1 1 1 1 Uperoleia rugosa Chubby Gungan 1 1 Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe 1 1 1 BUFONIDAE Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe 1 1 Rhinella marina Cane Toad # 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ANHINGIDAE Total Number of Species 15 9 7 2 10 6 9 Anhinga melanogaster Darter 1 1 1 1 1 1 PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant 1 1 Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant 1 1 1 1 Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant 1 1 1 1 Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant 1 1 1 1 PELECANIDE Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican 1 1 1 1 1 ARDEIDAE Ardea alba Great Egret 1 1 1 1 Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret 1 1 1 1 Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron 1 1 1 1 1 Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron 1 1 1 1
Page 89 of 100 Page 90 of 100 1393 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron 1 1 1 1 1 1 THRESKIORNITHIDAE Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 1 1 Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill 1 1 Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis 1 1 1 1 Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis 1 1 1 1 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis 1 CICONIIDAE Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork nt 1 1 1 ACCIPITRIDAE Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk 1 1 1 Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aviceda subcristata Pacific Baza 1 Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 1 1 Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite 1 1 1 1 Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite 1 Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard 1 1 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 1 1 1 1 1 1 Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle 1 1 1 Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite nt 1 1 Milvus migrans Black Kite 1 1 1 1 FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Falco subniger Black Falcon 1 1 Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Falco longipennis Australian Hobby 1 1 1 1 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1 1 1 GRUIDAE Grus rubicunda Brolga 1 1 1 1 1 RALLIDAE Fulica atra Eurasian Coot 1 1 Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen 1 Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen 1 1 OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 1 1 1 1 1 1 JACANIDAE Irediparra gallinacea Comb-crested Jacana 1 SCOLOPACIDAE Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 1 TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail 1 1 1 1 Turnix pyrrhothorax Red-chested Button-quail 1 1 1 1 BURHINIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt 1 1 CHARADRIIDAE Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel 1 1 1 1 1 Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel 1 1 1 Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing 1 1 1 1 1 1 Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing 1 1 1 1 1 GLAREOLIDAE Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole 1
Page 91 of 100 1394 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron 1 1 1 1 1 1 LARIDAE THRESKIORNITHIDAE Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern 1 Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 1 1 COLUMBIDAE Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill 1 1 Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 1 1 1 1 1 1 Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis 1 1 1 1 Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove 1 1 1 1 Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis 1 1 1 1 Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis 1 Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon (sth. subsp.) Vv 1 1 1 CICONIIDAE Leucosarcia melanoleuca Wonga Pigeon 1 Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork nt 1 1 1 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ACCIPITRIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 1 1 1 1 1 1 Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk 1 1 1 CACATUIDAE Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cacatua roseicapilla Galah 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aviceda subcristata Pacific Baza 1 Calyptorhynchus banksii Red-tailed Black Cockatoo 1 1 1 1 1 Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 1 1 Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo 1 Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite 1 1 1 1 Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel 1 1 1 1 1 1 Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite 1 PSITTACIDAE Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard 1 1 Alisterus scapularis Australian King Parrot 1 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aprosmictus erythropterus Red-winged Parrot 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle 1 1 1 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 1 1 1 1 1 Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite nt 1 1 Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Milvus migrans Black Kite 1 1 1 1 Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet 1 1 FALCONIDAE Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 CUCULIDAE Falco subniger Black Falcon 1 1 Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1 Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo 1 1 1 Falco longipennis Australian Hobby 1 1 1 1 Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal 1 1 1 1 1 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1 1 1 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 1 1 1 1 GRUIDAE Chrysococcyx lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo 1 1 1 1 Grus rubicunda Brolga 1 1 1 1 1 Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo 1 1 1 RALLIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo 1 1 1 Fulica atra Eurasian Coot 1 1 Eudynamys scolopacea Common Koel 1 Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen 1 Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo 1 1 1 Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen 1 1 STRIGIDAE OTIDIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl 1 1 Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 JACANIDAE TYTONIDAE Irediparra gallinacea Comb-crested Jacana 1 Tyto alba Eastern Barn Owl 1 1 1 1 1 SCOLOPACIDAE PODARGIDAE 1 Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 1 Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth 1 1 1 1 1 1 TURNICIDAE EUROSTOPIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail 1 1 1 1 Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar 1 1 1 1 Turnix pyrrhothorax Red-chested Button-quail 1 1 1 1 Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar 1 BURHINIDAE AEGOTHELIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar 1 1 1 1 RECURVIROSTRIDAE APODIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt 1 1 Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 1 CHARADRIIDAE ALCEDINIDAE Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel 1 1 1 1 1 Ceyx azureus Azure Kingfisher 1 Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel 1 1 1 HALCYONIDAE Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra 1 1 1 1 1 Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing 1 1 1 1 1 Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra 1 1 1 1 1 1 GLAREOLIDAE Todiramphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher 1 1 1 1 1 Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole 1 Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher 1 1 1 1 1 1
Page 91 of 100 Page 92 of 100 1395 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher 1 1 1 1 1 MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 1 1 1 1 1 1 CORACIIDAE Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 CLIMACTERIDAE Climacteris affinis White-browed Treecreeper 1 Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 PTILINORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis Great Bowerbird 1 Chlamydera maculata Spotted Bowerbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 ACANTHIZIDAE Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill 1 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill 1 Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 1 1 1 Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler 1 1 1 1 Gerygone olivacea Western Gerygone 1 1 1 1 1 1 Gerygone fusca White-throated Gerygone 1 1 1 1 1 1 Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren 1 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote 1 Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote 1 1 1 MALURIDAE Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren 1 1 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Malurus leucopterus Red-backed Fairy-wren 1 1 1 1 1 1 Malurus melanocephalus White-winged Fairy-wren 1 1 MELIPHAGIDAE Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill 1 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 1 Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater 1 Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater 1 Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater 1 1 1 Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 1 1 1 1 1 1 Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner 1 1 1 1 Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater 1 Melithreptus albogularis White-throated Honeyeater 1 1 Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater 1 Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater nt 1 1 1 Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird 1 1 1 1 1 Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1
Page 93 of 100 1396 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher 1 1 1 1 1 POMATOSTOMIDAE MEROPIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 1 1 1 1 1 1 NEOSITTIDAE CORACIIDAE Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 CAMPEPHAGIDAE CLIMACTERIDAE Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike 1 1 1 1 1 Climacteris affinis White-browed Treecreeper 1 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Coracina papuensis White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike 1 1 1 1 PTILINORHYNCHIDAE Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird 1 1 Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis Great Bowerbird 1 Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller 1 1 1 1 1 1 Chlamydera maculata Spotted Bowerbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 Oreocia gutturalis Crested Bellbird 1 1 1 1 1 ACANTHIZIDAE PACHYCEPHALIDAE Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill 1 1 1 1 1 1 Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler 1 1 Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill 1 1 1 1 1 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill 1 ORIOLIDAE Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill 1 1 1 1 Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 1 1 1 Sphecotheres viridis Figbird 1 1 1 Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler 1 1 1 1 ARTAMIDAE Gerygone olivacea Western Gerygone 1 1 1 1 1 1 Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 1 1 1 1 1 1 Gerygone fusca White-throated Gerygone 1 1 1 1 1 1 Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow 1 1 1 1 1 1 Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren 1 Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow 1 1 1 1 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Artamus minor Little Woodswallow 1 1 1 1 1 1 PARDALOTIDAE Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow 1 1 1 1 1 Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow 1 1 1 1 1 Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote 1 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote 1 1 1 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 MALURIDAE Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren 1 1 Strepera graculina Pied Currawong 1 1 1 1 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DICRURIDAE Malurus leucopterus Red-backed Fairy-wren 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo 1 1 1 Malurus melanocephalus White-winged Fairy-wren 1 1 RHIPIDURIDAE MELIPHAGIDAE Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail 1 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill 1 Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 CORVIDAE Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Corvus coronoides Australian Raven 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 1 Corvus orru Torresian Crow 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater 1 MONARCHIDAE Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater 1 Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater 1 1 1 Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher 1 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher 1 1 1 1 1 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 CORORACIDAE Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 Corvus bennetti Little Crow 1 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough 1 1 1 1 Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 Struthidea cinerea Apostlebird 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 1 1 1 1 1 1 PETROICIDAE Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner 1 1 1 1 Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater 1 Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1 1 1 1 1 Melithreptus albogularis White-throated Honeyeater 1 1 Melanodyras cullata Hooded Robin 1 1 1 1 1 1 Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater 1 ALAUDIDAE Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater nt 1 1 1 Mirafra javanica Singing Bushlark 1 1 1 1 Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird 1 1 1 1 1 CISTICOLIDAE Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola 1 Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater 1 1 1 1 1 1 ACROCEPHALIDAE
Page 93 of 100 Page 94 of 100 1397 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
Zoological Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Acrocephalus stentoreus Australian Reed-Warbler 1 MEGALURIDAE Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark 1 1 1 1 Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark 1 1 1 1 1 TIMALIIDAE Zosterops lateralis Silvereye 1 HIRUNDINIDAE Cheramoeca leucosternus White-backed Swallow 1 1 Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin 1 1 1 1 Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow 1 Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin 1 1 1 1 1 NECTARINIIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird 1 1 1 1 1 1 Nectarina jugularis Olive-backed Sunbird 1 ESTRILDIDAE Lonchura castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Mannikin 1 Neochmia modesta Plum-headed Finch 1 1 1 1 Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch 1 1 1 1 1 1 Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 1 1 1 1 1 1 Black-throated Finch Peophila cincta cincta Ee 1 1 (southern) PASSERIDAE Passer domesticus House Sparrow # 1 MOTACILLIDAE Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total Number of Species 189 95 69 92 145 105 167
Page 95 of 100 1398 Appendices | Fauna Assessment Report
Legend !! ! Surveyed water sources which are SANDY CREEK known/likely to support water for at least 4 months Higher probability BTF nesting habitat !! occurs where preferred habitat is present within 400m of a permanent water resource !! SPRING CREEK Lower probability BTF nesting habitat !! occurs where preferred habitat is SPRING C present within 400-1000m of a REEK permanent water resource !! Study Area
!! !!
!! !! MALCOLM CREEK ON CREEK !! !!
!! LAGO
!!
!! !! !!
SAL !!
T
BUSH CREEK
! !! ! !! PEBBLY CREEK
!!
5 Davina Street Tarragindi QLD 4121 Ph: (07) 3892 4402 !! ! www.austecology.com.au !! !
!! ! ! !!
!! SCALE: !! 0361.5
!! Kilometres
DATA SOURCE: Source:EPA Regional Ecosystems Digital Database, Version 6.0, 2009© Source:Department of Mines and Energy, Digital !! Database, 2011©
!! CLIENT: !! !! !! Waratah Coal Pty Ltd.
!! PROJECT: Black-throated Finch Survey
TALLARENHA CREEK and Habitat Assessments for EPC 1040, !! !! Galilee Basin, Central Queensland.
!! !! ! TITLE: !!BETA ! Figure 4.2
CAMPCREEK !! CREEK Black-throated Finch Nesting Habitat – Predictive Model Outputs. SIZE: DATE: 09-06-11 A3
1399 1400 | COAL WARATAH
Attachment M Threatened Species Habitat Modelling Data Data Sources: VMA Essential Habitat Factors database extracts under user licence (June 2012, EHP); Morgan et al. 2002; SEWPaC (SEWPaC 2011b, 2012 a-d), Kutt et al. 2003, Ellis et al. 1995 and 2002; 2007 Recovery Plan (BTRF 2007); and 2010 Recovery Plan (Hill & Ward 2010).
Species Habitat Descriptors Project Coal Galilee
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, Little Pied Bat 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Dry open forest and woodland (e.g. Eucalyptus melanophloia, E. populnea, E. Chalinolobus picatus crebra, E. moluccana, E. tereticornis, Corymbia citriodora, C. tessellaris), in more arid areas found in riparian areas (E. camaldulensis, E. microtheca), and mulga (Acacia aneura) and escarpment (A. shirleyi); also brigalow forest, Callitris/Allocasuarina with E. dealbata/E. fibrosa, and chenopod shrubland. Altitude: Sea level to 850m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.14, & 10.7.3. The records from the Desert Uplands indicate riparian and escarpment habitats are important for the species in the bioregion. | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013 VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, the skink 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, Ctenotus capricorni 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Semi-arid, open woodland/shrubland with understorey of shrubs, soft tussock grasses and Triodia hummock grass. Altitude: 100-400m. Other: Sandy substrates. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.27, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, 10.5.11, & 10.5.12. Restricted to sandy open woodlands habitats in the southern Desert Uplands on the Alice Tableland. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & Yakka Skink 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Among dense ground vegetation, fallen timber or rock outcrops, in open and low closed scrub, sandplain areas, Egernia rugosa woodland (brigalow), open dry sclerophyll (ironbark) and lancewood forest. Altitude: 100-400m. SEWPaC - Known to occur in open dry sclerophyll forest, woodland and scrub. The core habitat of this species is within the Mulga Lands and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions. Occurs in a wide variety of vegetation types within Queensland Regional Ecosystem Land Zones: LZ 3 Alluvium (river and creek flats), LZ 4 Clay plains (not associated with current alluvium), LZ 5 Old loamy and sandy plains, LZ 7 Ironstone jump-ups, LZ 9 Undulating country on fine-grained sedimentary rocks, and LZ 10 Sandstone ranges.
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: All regional ecosystems within the stream/wetland buffer as determined by VMA code. Black-necked Stork Vegetation Community: Extensive semi-permanent to permanent shallow wetlands - swamps, lakes and wet heathlands with some tall emergent Ephippiorhynchus vegetation associated with coastal wetlands (including tidal flats & mangroves), river floodplains and open woodland (eucalypt and melaleuca); also uses asiaticus irrigated lands, sewage ponds and grassland. Nest in wide stick platform in top of tree or stump (up to 30m high) in isolated part of freshwater swamp. Altitude: Sea level to 1000m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.2, 10.3.6, 10.3.10, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.4.8, & 10.5.5.
Page 97 of 100 Attachment M Threatened Species Habitat Modelling Data Data Sources: VMA Essential Habitat Factors database extracts under user licence (June 2012, EHP); Morgan et al. 2002; SEWPaC (SEWPaC 2011b, 2012 a-d), Kutt et al. 2003, Ellis et al. 1995 and 2002; 2007 Recovery Plan (BTRF 2007); and 2010 Recovery Plan (Hill & Ward 2010).
Species Habitat Descriptors
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, Little Pied Bat 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Dry open forest and woodland (e.g. Eucalyptus melanophloia, E. populnea, E. Chalinolobus picatus crebra, E. moluccana, E. tereticornis, Corymbia citriodora, C. tessellaris), in more arid areas found in riparian areas (E. camaldulensis, E. microtheca), and mulga (Acacia aneura) and escarpment (A. shirleyi); also brigalow forest, Callitris/Allocasuarina with E. dealbata/E. fibrosa, and chenopod shrubland. Altitude: Sea level to 850m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.14, & 10.7.3. The records from the Desert Uplands indicate riparian and escarpment habitats are important for the species in the bioregion. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, the skink 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, Ctenotus capricorni 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Semi-arid, open woodland/shrubland with understorey of shrubs, soft tussock grasses and Triodia hummock grass. Altitude: 100-400m. Other: Sandy substrates. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.27, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, 10.5.11, & 10.5.12. Restricted to sandy open woodlands habitats in the southern Desert Uplands on the Alice Tableland. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & Yakka Skink 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Among dense ground vegetation, fallen timber or rock outcrops, in open and low closed scrub, sandplain areas, Egernia rugosa woodland (brigalow), open dry sclerophyll (ironbark) and lancewood forest. Altitude: 100-400m. SEWPaC - Known to occur in open dry sclerophyll forest, woodland and scrub. The core habitat of this species is within the Mulga Lands and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions. Occurs in a wide variety of vegetation types within Queensland Regional Ecosystem Land Zones: LZ 3 Alluvium (river and creek flats), LZ 4 Clay plains (not associated with current alluvium), LZ 5 Old loamy and sandy plains, LZ 7 Ironstone jump-ups, LZ 9 Undulating country on fine-grained sedimentary rocks, and LZ 10 Sandstone ranges.
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: All regional ecosystems within the stream/wetland buffer as determined by VMA code. Black-necked Stork Vegetation Community: Extensive semi-permanent to permanent shallow wetlands - swamps, lakes and wet heathlands with some tall emergent Ephippiorhynchus vegetation associated with coastal wetlands (including tidal flats & mangroves), river floodplains and open woodland (eucalypt and melaleuca); also uses asiaticus irrigated lands, sewage ponds and grassland. Nest in wide stick platform in top of tree or stump (up to 30m high) in isolated part of freshwater swamp. Altitude: Sea level to 1000m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.2, 10.3.6, 10.3.10, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.4.8, & 10.5.5.
Page 97 of 100
Species Habitat Descriptors
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.3, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, Squatter Pigeon 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.5, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.10.1, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Dry (southern) eucalypt woodland (including poplar box, spotted gum, yellow box, acacia and callitris), with sparse short grass, often on sandy areas near to permanent Geophaps scripta water; grassy eucalypt woodlands. Nest on ground near or under grass tussock, log or low bush. Position in landscape: Gravelly ridges, traprock and scripta river flats. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.10, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.2, 10.3.22, 10.3.28, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.4.8, 10.5.11, 10.5.5, 10.7.1, 10.7.10, 10.7.7, & 10.9.2. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.3, 10.4.7, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.5, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.10.1, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation Community: Square-tailed Kite Open eucalypt forest and woodland (grassy or shrubby and including riparian) (Corymbia citriodora/henyri, Eucalyptus pilularis, ironbark), subtropical Lophoictinia isura rainforest, mallee and heathland; > 500mm rainfall p.a. Nest 12-30m above ground in mature tree (Eucalyptus, Corymbia or Angophora spp.) in or near forest or woodland along or near watercourse. Altitude: Sea level to 500m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.14, 10.5.1, & 10.5.5. Uncommon in the Desert Uplands and records are all from the north east. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.26, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.3, 10.4.7, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.5, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & Black-chinned 10.10.7. Vegetation community: Mostly in canopy of dry eucalypt forest and woodland (especially bloodwood – Corymbia citriodora, ironbark – Honeyeater Eucalyptus sideroxylon and box – E. moluccana, E. albens associations on western slopes, especially where rainfall 400-700mm pa), also callitris and Melithreptus gularis melaleuca woodland, riparian eucalypts (E. tereticornis, E. camaldulensis) and acacia scrub; in northern areas in tall stringybark & bloodwood woodlands;
grassy open E. melanophloia and shrubby open E. similis woodlands. Nest in outermost and topmost foliage of tree (usually eucalypt); 1-25m above |Appendices ground. Altitude: 100-500m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.8, 10.5.1, & 10.7.11. The Desert Uplands is a broad area of intergradation between the southern rare/near threatened sub-species and the northern common sub-species. It is not clear which is present in the bioregion. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: All regional ecosystems within the stream/wetland buffer as determined by VMA code. Cotton Pygmy- Vegetation community: Still, deep, permanent, freshwater lagoon, swamp (e.g. paperbark) and river covered with aquatic herbage, e.g. Nymphaea and goose Hydrilla spp.; seasonal shift in habitat use – swamps & creeks (wet), lagoon (wet-early dry) and river/lake (late dry). Altitude: 100-500m. Morgan et al. Nettapus 2002 - REs: 10.3.3, 10.3.6, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.4.8, & 10.5.5. Generally more likely to occur in wetlands and artificial water bodies of Subregion 3 (e.g. coromandelianus Lake Powlathanga), though may occur sporadically and seasonally in other wetlands like Caukingburra Swamp. Report Assessment Fauna 1401
Page 98 of 100 1402 | COAL WARATAH
Species Habitat Descriptors
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation community: Under logs and ground debris in acacia (Acacia harpophylla & A. falciformis) Project Coal Galilee woodland, or eucalypt (e.g. Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra, or E. populnea) woodland and open forest with sparse grass cover or Callitris/Allocasuarina subcanopy; also vine thicket; low open Acacia cambagei woodland and Eremophila mitchellii shrubland with tussock grass Brigalow Scaly-foot understorey. Altitude: Sea level to 800m. Position in landscape: Grey/black cracking clay alluvial, sandy clay or sandstone substrates. Morgan et al. Paradelma orientalis 2002 - REs: 10.3.25, 10.3.4, 10.9.2. Outlying records in the Desert Uplands in Acacia woodlands in eastern flowing catchments. SWEWPaC - Core habitat occurs mostly within the Brigalow Belt South bioregion. Found in a wide variety of remnant and non-remnant open forest to woodland habitats. Known to persist in highly disturbed vegetation types, for example those areas invaded by Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), and other weeds. Occurs within the following Queensland Regional Ecosystem Land Zones: LZ 3 - Alluvium river and creek flats, LZ 4 - Clay plains not associated with current alluvium; LZ 5 - Old loamy and sandy plains; LZ 7 - Ironstone jump-ups, LZ 8 - Basalt plains and hills (only where close to the interface with LZ 10), LZ 9 - Undulating country on fine-grained sedimentary rocks, and LZ 10 - Sandstone ranges. Kutt et al. 2003 - Gidgee Acacia cambagei woodland with occasional Eremophila and Carissa, and a ground cover of forbs and grasses with abundant fallen timber on cracking | Supplementary Environmental Statement Impact – March 2013 alluvial clays (Ulcanbah Station). VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - There are no habitat factors listed as this species as it is not listed as a threatened species under Koala the NCA outside of the south-east Queensland bioregion. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, Phascolarctos 10.3.11, 10.3.14, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, & 10.7.1. Ellis et al. 2002 – Fodder trees, in order of decreasing proportion of the diet: Eucalyptus cinereus populnea, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, E. cambageana, E. melanophloia, and Corymbia dallachiana (Clermont). Ellis et al. 1995 – Fodder tree species (though not ranked in terms of dietary composition): E. orgadophylla, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, and E. melanophloia (Springsure). VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, Black-throated Finch 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. (southern) Grassy open woodland dominated by Eucalyptus, Acacia and Melaleuca spp. (e.g. E. platyphylla, E. erythrophloia, E. melanophloia, E. brownii, E. whitei, Poephila cincta E. similis, E. camaldulensis, Corymbia plena, C. dallachiana, C. setosa, M. viridiflora, M. leucodendra) with high diversity ground cover of perennial cincta grasses (e.g. Heteropogon, Themeda, Bothriochloa, Eulalia, Enneapogon, Triodia, Triopogon, Chrysopogon, Aristida) and shrub layer usually sparse or absent. Nest in topmost twiggy branches of eucalypt, occasionally in tree hollow or termite mound, up to 12m above ground. Altitude: 50-350m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.13, 10.3.28, 10.4.8, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, & 10.7.11. 2007 Recovery Plan - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.13, 10.3.28, 10.4.8, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, & 10.7.11. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: All regional ecosystems within the stream/wetland buffer as determined by VMA code. Vegetation community: Quiet freshwater lake, lagoon, swamp (swampy grassland) and saline lake; breed on ephemeral/permanent inland wetlands with extensive cumbungi Typha spp. and lignum Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii/florulenta; in non-breeding or dry periods move to large permanent wetlands. Freckled Duck Altitude: Sea level to 200m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.23, & 10.5.5. Occurs sporadically in wetlands, riparian areas and Stictonetta naevosa artificial water-bodies. Population numbers fluctuate with climatic conditions. Thought to be relatively stable, though difficult to assess. Its occurrence in Subregion 2 in both woodland and wetland systems, suggest this species visits the Lake and riparian areas during wet periods and occasionally utilises large artificial dams and water points.
Page 99 of 100 Species Habitat Descriptors
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. Vegetation community: Under logs and ground debris in acacia (Acacia harpophylla & A. falciformis) woodland, or eucalypt (e.g. Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra, or E. populnea) woodland and open forest with sparse grass cover or Callitris/Allocasuarina subcanopy; also vine thicket; low open Acacia cambagei woodland and Eremophila mitchellii shrubland with tussock grass Brigalow Scaly-foot understorey. Altitude: Sea level to 800m. Position in landscape: Grey/black cracking clay alluvial, sandy clay or sandstone substrates. Morgan et al. Paradelma orientalis 2002 - REs: 10.3.25, 10.3.4, 10.9.2. Outlying records in the Desert Uplands in Acacia woodlands in eastern flowing catchments. SWEWPaC - Core habitat occurs mostly within the Brigalow Belt South bioregion. Found in a wide variety of remnant and non-remnant open forest to woodland habitats. Known to persist in highly disturbed vegetation types, for example those areas invaded by Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), and other weeds. Occurs within the following Queensland Regional Ecosystem Land Zones: LZ 3 - Alluvium river and creek flats, LZ 4 - Clay plains not associated with current alluvium; LZ 5 - Old loamy and sandy plains; LZ 7 - Ironstone jump-ups, LZ 8 - Basalt plains and hills (only where close to the interface with LZ 10), LZ 9 - Undulating country on fine-grained sedimentary rocks, and LZ 10 - Sandstone ranges. Kutt et al. 2003 - Gidgee Acacia cambagei woodland with occasional Eremophila and Carissa, and a ground cover of forbs and grasses with abundant fallen timber on cracking alluvial clays (Ulcanbah Station). VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - There are no habitat factors listed as this species as it is not listed as a threatened species under Koala the NCA outside of the south-east Queensland bioregion. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, Phascolarctos 10.3.11, 10.3.14, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, & 10.7.1. Ellis et al. 2002 – Fodder trees, in order of decreasing proportion of the diet: Eucalyptus cinereus populnea, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, E. cambageana, E. melanophloia, and Corymbia dallachiana (Clermont). Ellis et al. 1995 – Fodder tree species (though not ranked in terms of dietary composition): E. orgadophylla, E. crebra, E. terreticornis, and E. melanophloia (Springsure). VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, Black-throated Finch 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & 10.10.7. (southern) Grassy open woodland dominated by Eucalyptus, Acacia and Melaleuca spp. (e.g. E. platyphylla, E. erythrophloia, E. melanophloia, E. brownii, E. whitei, Poephila cincta E. similis, E. camaldulensis, Corymbia plena, C. dallachiana, C. setosa, M. viridiflora, M. leucodendra) with high diversity ground cover of perennial cincta grasses (e.g. Heteropogon, Themeda, Bothriochloa, Eulalia, Enneapogon, Triodia, Triopogon, Chrysopogon, Aristida) and shrub layer usually sparse or absent. Nest in topmost twiggy branches of eucalypt, occasionally in tree hollow or termite mound, up to 12m above ground. Altitude: 50-350m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.13, 10.3.28, 10.4.8, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, & 10.7.11. 2007 Recovery Plan - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.13, 10.3.28, 10.4.8, 10.5.1, 10.5.5, & 10.7.11. VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: All regional ecosystems within the stream/wetland buffer as determined by VMA code. Vegetation community: Quiet freshwater lake, lagoon, swamp (swampy grassland) and saline lake; breed on ephemeral/permanent inland wetlands with extensive cumbungi Typha spp. and lignum Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii/florulenta; in non-breeding or dry periods move to large permanent wetlands. Freckled Duck Altitude: Sea level to 200m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.6, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.23, & 10.5.5. Occurs sporadically in wetlands, riparian areas and Stictonetta naevosa artificial water-bodies. Population numbers fluctuate with climatic conditions. Thought to be relatively stable, though difficult to assess. Its occurrence in Subregion 2 in both woodland and wetland systems, suggest this species visits the Lake and riparian areas during wet periods and occasionally utilises large artificial dams and water points.
Page 99 of 100
Species Habitat Descriptors
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - REs: 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.16, 10.3.17, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.21, 10.3.22, 10.3.23, 10.3.25, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.29, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, Common Death 10.4.7, 10.4.9, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.6, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.1, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.4, 10.7.5, 10.7.6, Adder Acanthophis 10.7.7, 10.7.8, 10.7.9, 10.7.10, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.9.6, 10.9.7, 10.9.8, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, & antarcticus 10.10.7. Vegetation community: Under deep leaf litter or low foliage in shrubland (heathland), woodland and tall forest, especially undisturbed eucalypt forest. Altitude: Sea level to 950m. Morgan et al. 2002 - REs: 10.3.27 & 10.10.5.
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - There are no habitat factors listed as this species is not listed as a threatened species under the NCA. SEWPaC - Habitat generally encompasses some form of rocky area for denning purposes with surrounding vegetated habitats used for foraging and dispersal. Rocky habitats are usually of high relief, often rugged and dissected. Eucalypt forest or woodland habitats usually have a high structural Northern Quoll diversity containing large diameter trees, termite mounds or hollow logs for denning purposes. Dens are made in rock crevices, tree holes or occasionally Dasyurus hallucatus termite mounds. 2010 Recovery Plan - Northern quolls do not have highly specific habitat requirements and occur in a variety of habitats across their range. Therefore habitat critical to survival is that where northern quolls are least exposed to threats or least likely to be in the future. Given the threats outlined (Cane Toads, feral predators, inappropriate fire regimes, broad-scale baiting, hunting, & disease), two particular broad habitat types fall into this category: rocky areas and offshore islands.
VMA Essential Habitat Database (Habitat Factors) - There are no REs listed for the Desert Uplands Bioregion. Vegetation community: Under litter/fallen timber and in wide soil cracks, in riparian woodland/open forest and shrub/woodland including Brigalow Acacia harpophylla. Altitude: 100- Ornamental Snake 450m. Position in landscape: Near freshwater waterholes/creeks. Soils: Deep cracking clay and sandy loam substrates. SEWPaC - Known to prefer Denisonia maculata woodlands and open forests associated with moist areas, particularly gilgai (melon-hole) mounds and depressions in Queensland Regional Ecosystem Land Zone 4, but also lake margins and wetlands. Refuge habitat during dry periods typically within soil cracks on gilgai mounds within the habitat area.
Preferred habitat is within, or close to, habitat that is favoured by its prey - frogs. |Appendices Fauna Assessment Report Assessment Fauna 1403
Page 100 of 100 WARATAH COAL | Galilee Coal Project | Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement – March 2013
This page is intentionally left blank.
1404